Can Smoking Disqualify Me as a Kidney Donor?
If you smoke and are thinking about becoming a kidney donor, you may be wondering whether it could affect your eligibility. While smoking doesn’t automatically disqualify you, it will be considered as part of your overall health profile, and you may be required to quit before donating.
Why Does Smoking Matter in Kidney Donation?
Kidney donation is a major surgery, and transplant teams must ensure donors are in the best possible health—not only to make sure the surgery is safe but also to support long-term recovery post-donation.
Smoking affects your lungs, heart, and blood vessels, all of which can increase surgical risks and slow healing.
What Will the Transplant Team Consider?
During the evaluation process, the transplant center will evaluate your overall health, including your smoking history. They may ask:
- Do you currently smoke?
- How long have you been smoking?
- Have you tried to quit?
- Are you willing to quit before surgery?
Do I Need to Quit Smoking to Donate a Kidney?
Many centers strongly encourage or require donor candidates to quit smoking before moving forward with donation. Some may even ask for a smoke-free period—often 30 days or longer—before approving your donation.
If you’re thinking about donating a kidney, now is a great time to consider quitting. In many cases, a willingness to quit can make a big difference in whether or not you’re approved. Not only can quitting show your commitment to your health and improve your chances of being cleared to donate, it’s one of the best choices you can make for your long-term health.
Be open and honest with your transplant team about your smoking history, how much you currently smoke, and how willing you are to quit. They’re not interested in judging you or making you feel guilty—their sole concern is your health and your suitability as a donor.
If you need help quitting, Project Donor is a free support program for individuals who have been disqualified from organ donation due to high BMI or smoking and want to try to become eligible.
Project Donor offers free access to smoking cessation programs and emotional support resources to give potential donors the support they need to qualify for donation. The transplant center where you registered can refer you to Project Donor, or you can join on your own.
For more information, visit https://projectdonor.org or email info@projectdonor.org.