Who Can Donate?

Living kidney donation is possible for many healthy adults. This page explains common eligibility factors and when donation isn’t a good idea.

Basic eligibility

• Age: usually 18–70 (varies by center).
• Overall health: no serious heart, lung, or uncontrolled metabolic disease.
• Blood pressure: normal or well-controlled without organ damage.
• Kidney health: normal function, no significant protein or blood in urine.
• Healthy body weight and fitness for anesthesia and surgery.

Common reasons you may not be eligible

• Diabetes (type 1 or type 2), or prediabetes with other risk factors.
• Uncontrolled hypertension or need for multiple BP meds.
• History of significant kidney disease, recurrent stones, or abnormal imaging.
• Active cancer or very recent cancer treatment.
• Untreated mental health or substance-use issues affecting recovery/consent.
• Pregnancy (postpone) or planning pregnancy very soon.

Donation paths

• Directed: donate to a specific person.
• Paired exchange: swap with another incompatible pair.
• Non-directed: start a chain; kidney goes to best match.

People on your team

• Independent Living Donor Advocate (ILDA)
• Transplant nephrologist, surgeon, social worker, dietitian, coordinator