Am I Healthy Enough to Donate a Kidney?

Donating a kidney is a generous act that can help someone live a longer, healthier life. If you’re considering kidney donation, you may be wondering if you’re healthy enough to donate. Follow these steps to determine if you are healthy enough to qualify as a living kidney donor.

Step 1: Register with the National Kidney Registry

The simplest way to begin your kidney donation journey is by visiting the National Kidney Registry (NKR)’s online donor registration page. All you need to do is enter your name and contact details. You’ll then receive a link to a medical screening questionnaire that covers your medical history, including past illnesses, medications, family history, and more. This is the first step in determining if you’re eligible to donate.

Step 2: Undergo Screening and Evaluation

While the criteria for kidney donation may vary slightly depending on the transplant center, most centers will have similar requirements. In general, you need to be in good health, with normal kidney function, and free from major physical or mental illnesses.

The comprehensive health screening required for potential kidney donors is an amazing side benefit of undergoing donor screening—whether you ultimately decide to donate or not. This thorough evaluation, completed at no cost to you, gives you an in-depth look at your overall health and helps identify any potential underlying issues you might not be aware of.

Here are some of the factors that will be considered in the evaluation process:

Age

There are no strict age limits for kidney donation, but the transplant team will consider your age as one factor in their evaluation of your overall health. The minimum age for donation is typically 18-25. There is no upper age limit, and the percentage of older living kidney donors has been increasing steadily over the years. For example, in 2024, 7.4% of living kidney donors were over 65.

If you want to donate to someone specific who is not urgently in need of a transplant but will need one at some point, the NKR’s Family Voucher program lets you donate now and give vouchers to family members who may need a kidney in the future.

Weight and BMI

Your weight and BMI (Body Mass Index) will also be a key factor in determining whether you’re eligible to donate. A BMI over 35 typically disqualifies potential donors, as obesity increases risks during surgery and recovery. If your BMI is between 30 and 35, some centers may encourage you to lose weight to meet eligibility requirements.

If you’re concerned about your BMI, complete the online screening to find out if you’re eligible and what steps you can take to improve your chances.

Preexisting Medical Conditions

To donate a kidney, you must be free from serious health conditions, including uncontrolled high blood pressure, diabetes, recent cancer treatments, and ongoing infections. However, just because you have one of these conditions doesn’t mean you will automatically be disqualified. In some cases, transplant centers may offer ways to manage or treat certain conditions so you can still donate.

Mental Health

Mental health conditions don’t automatically disqualify potential kidney donors, but certain conditions may be a concern if they impact your ability to safely undergo surgery and recovery. If you’ve had a mental health issue, it’s important to discuss it openly with your transplant center so they can provide the necessary support.

Step 3: Don’t Disqualify Yourself

Many potential donors disqualify themselves before even starting the process, believing they’re not healthy enough to donate. The truth is, many conditions can be managed or improved in a way that allows you to donate. It’s crucial to trust the process and let the transplant professionals make the decision. The team has your best interests at heart and will not allow you to proceed with donating if it will have a negative impact on your health.

Ready to get started? Visit the NKR website to learn more and begin your journey as a kidney donor!