Living kidney donation offers a life-altering opportunity for individuals facing kidney failure. This generous act allows recipients to potentially avoid or discontinue dialysis, often leading to a better quality of life and longer-lasting organ function compared to deceased donor kidneys. Deciding to become a living donor is a significant personal choice that involves careful consideration of one’s health and well-being. The process prioritizes the safety of the donor above all else.
Age Requirements for Living Kidney Donation
An individual must be at least 18 years old to donate a kidney in most regions, primarily because legal adults can provide informed consent for such a significant medical procedure. Some transplant centers may set their minimum age slightly higher, such as 20 or 21 years old. While a general minimum age exists, there is no strict upper age limit for living kidney donation. People in their 90s have successfully donated a kidney, showing that advanced age alone is not a barrier.
Eligibility for older potential donors depends on their overall health, not just their numerical age. As individuals age, a comprehensive health assessment becomes particularly important. The ability to recover from surgery and the long-term health implications for the donor are primary determinants.
A study confirmed that kidney transplants using organs from living donors over 70 years old can be safe for both the donor and recipient. In 2023, a notable percentage of living kidney donors were over 65, and an even larger portion were between 50 and 64 years old, with these numbers continuing to increase.
Health and Other Eligibility Factors
Beyond age, a range of health and other factors determine a person’s suitability for kidney donation. Donors must be in good physical and mental health to ensure their safety and the success of the transplant. Certain medical conditions would typically disqualify a donor, including uncontrolled high blood pressure, diabetes, active or recently treated cancer, and certain infectious diseases like HIV or hepatitis. Individuals with chronic kidney disease or significant heart disease are also generally not eligible.
The presence of obesity, often measured by Body Mass Index (BMI), can also impact eligibility. A BMI over 35 typically leads to rejection due to increased surgical risks and potential long-term effects on the remaining kidney. Some centers may encourage weight loss for individuals with a BMI between 30 and 35 to improve their candidacy. Lifestyle factors, such as smoking and substance abuse, also affect eligibility, with potential donors often required to abstain from these habits.
Psychological and emotional readiness are also thoroughly assessed. Donors must demonstrate a clear understanding of the process, risks, and recovery. Their decision to donate must be entirely voluntary, free from coercion or financial incentive.
The Donor Evaluation Process
All potential living kidney donors undergo a comprehensive evaluation process, regardless of their age. This multi-step assessment is designed to ensure the donor is healthy enough for surgery and can live a long, healthy life with one kidney.
The process begins with initial screenings, often including a health questionnaire and preliminary blood and urine tests. These initial tests help determine basic medical suitability and identify any immediate disqualifying conditions.
Following the initial screening, potential donors undergo more extensive medical testing. This typically includes detailed blood tests to assess overall health, kidney function, and compatibility with the recipient, as well as urine tests. Imaging studies, such as CT scans of the abdomen, chest X-rays, and renal scans, are performed to visualize the kidneys, their blood supply, and to rule out any structural abnormalities. Heart function is also assessed through tests like electrocardiograms (EKG) and, for older donors or those with specific medical histories, stress tests.
Potential donors also meet with a multidisciplinary team, including nephrologists, surgeons, social workers, and independent living donor advocates. Psychological assessments are conducted by social workers, and sometimes psychiatrists or psychologists, to evaluate mental well-being, motivation, and the presence of adequate support systems.