Pre-Op: Finding a Donor & Matching

Matching aims to lower rejection risk and get you a kidney that works well long-term. A “perfect” match isn’t required, but some combinations are safer.

The pieces of a match

• Blood type: some pairs are compatible; incompatible may still be possible with programs or special protocols.
• HLA typing: compares immune markers from you and the donor.
• cPRA (antibodies): higher numbers mean you react to more potential donors; centers use strategies to expand options.
• Crossmatch: final check that your blood does not attack the donor cells.

Paths to a kidney

• Deceased-donor waitlist: based on medical factors and waiting time; keep contact info current.
• Living donor: best outcomes, shorter wait. Can be related or unrelated.
• Paired exchange (swap): if your donor isn’t compatible with you, you match with another pair.

If you’re highly sensitized

• More screening and special matching; paired exchange can help.
• Some centers use protocols to lower antibodies; risks/benefits are individualized.

Informational only; matching policies vary by region and center.