Where do donor kidneys come from? There are three sources:
- A blood relative (living-related donor)
- A spouse, in-laws, or friend (living, non-related donor)
- A deceased donor
Test Your Knowledge
Of these three choices, which do you think is the quickest method for getting a working kidney?
Living related donor
Living, non-related donor
Deceased donor
You're right! A relative, spouse, or friend may choose to donate a kidney. The surgery can be done when it is convenient, so there may be a very short wait. This donor also receives health screening to make sure there is no potential for kidney disease or underlying factors that could affect his or her own health.
It is possible for someone to live a healthy life after giving someone a kidney. And there are not enough deceased donors for everyone who wants a kidney to get one. Many people who need a kidney are encouraged to ask their friends and family to be tested. If there is a match, then the individual can be asked to donate a kidney.
That's not the correct answer.
Kidney transplants from deceased donors can be successful. But there are not enough deceased donors for everyone who wants a kidney to get one. For this reason, the wait can be long—from days or weeks, to months or years. Kidney transplants from a deceased donor are not usually the fastest.
It is possible for someone to live a healthy life after giving someone a kidney. Many people who need a kidney are encouraged to ask their friends and family to be tested. If there is a match, then the individual can be asked to donate a kidney.
