Solid-organ pathway

Kidney transplant navigation

A practical introduction to living-donor and deceased-donor kidney transplant pathways without promises about eligibility or access.

Living-donor and deceased-donor pathways

Pathway overview

Kidney transplantation may involve a medically suitable living donor or a deceased-donor allocation system. These are separate pathways with different legal, clinical, and residency rules.

International navigation should begin by identifying a licensed centre and confirming whether it evaluates non-residents. MedTransplant does not locate donors or influence allocation.

Important distinctions

Living donation
Requires independent donor assessment, voluntary informed consent, medical suitability, and legal approval.
Deceased donation
Access is governed by national allocation systems and may depend on residence, citizenship, or other lawful criteria.
Centre evaluation
Only a licensed transplant centre can determine recipient or donor suitability.

Topics a centre may evaluate

Requirements differ by person, programme, and jurisdiction. A licensed transplant team may consider:

  • Cause and stage of kidney disease
  • Overall health and surgical risk
  • Infection and cancer screening
  • Long-term follow-up planning
  • Donor assessment where legally applicable

Questions to ask a licensed centre

  1. Which licensed transplant centre should review my situation?
  2. Which pathway is legally available to a non-resident in this jurisdiction?
  3. What evaluation steps and records will the centre request directly?
  4. How are donor protection, consent, allocation, and follow-up handled?

Patient safety

Navigation with firm boundaries

MedTransplant provides independent education and navigation. We do not source organs or donors, influence allocation, or promise clinical acceptance.

Licensed transplant centres make all clinical decisions, and national laws always apply.