Pre-Op: Evaluation & Testing
The evaluation confirms surgery is safe for you and that the donor match is sound. Some tests happen locally; others at the transplant center.
Core pieces
- Labs: blood count, kidney/liver function, electrolytes, A1c, lipids, infectious-disease screening.
- Typing & antibodies: blood type, HLA typing, and antibody screen (cPRA).
- Crossmatch: mixes your blood with the donor’s to see if it reacts.
- Heart & lungs: EKG; echo and/or stress test as needed; chest X-ray.
- Imaging: abdominal ultrasound or CT as needed; vessels evaluated for surgery planning.
- Dental & cancer screening: clear untreated infections; complete age-appropriate screenings.
- Consults: nephrologist, surgeon (pre-op visit), pharmacist/med ed, social worker, dietitian; sometimes anesthesia.
Timeline
Many centers complete the work-up in 1–3 months; complex findings can add time. Ask which tests you can do locally.
How to prepare
- Bring a medication list with the exact times you take each one.
- List past surgeries, allergies, and any devices (stents, ports, etc.).
- Home logs: blood pressure, weight, and blood sugars (if applicable).
Questions to ask: What’s still pending? What could delay my clearance? Can we bundle tests into one day?
Informational only; testing varies by center and your health history.