Recipient Referral and Evaluation
We encourage early referral in order to identify all possible transplant options for our patients.
Referral may be through a nephrologist or dialysis unit.
Self-referrals are also accepted.
Living Donor Identification and Evaluation
We encourage patients to consider any possible living donor options and not to rule out any potential donors until they are evaluated by the transplant team.
Donor evaluation with our dedicated living donor team is designed to be as convenient and efficient as possible to make the process easy for the donor and beneficial for the recipient.
Donors who reside outside the San Antonio area may be screened and evaluated where they live.
All donor expenses for medical evaluation and donation are covered through the recipient's medical benefits.
Living Donor Evaluation Process
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Initial telephone screening regarding health issues.
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Blood drawn for laboratory studies and initial compatibility testing.
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If the donor is incompatible, there are two options:
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The donor can enter the Incompatible Kidney Exchange Program, or
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The recipient can be desensitized.
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Complete medical examination by a nephrologist.
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CT-scan for kidney anatomy evaluation.
(All of the above steps can be done at a location convenient for the donor.)
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Final crossmatch and scheduling of transplant date.
Our goal is to accomplish all of these steps within 60 days of the recipient's first visit. All visits and procedures will be scheduled by our team at the donor's convenience with no out-of-pocket expenses for the donor.
