Recipient assessment
The question being answered is whether you will safely survive the surgery and the immunosuppression that follows.
- Blood group, HLA typing, PRA and donor-specific antibody testing
- Cardiac evaluation — echocardiography and stress testing where indicated
- Screening for hepatitis B and C, HIV, tuberculosis and dental or urinary infection
- Assessment of bladder function and any outflow obstruction
- Cancer screening appropriate to age
- Vaccination catch-up before immunosuppression begins
Donor assessment
Split renal function on a DTPA or DMSA scan, CT angiography to map the renal vessels, and screening for diabetes, hypertension, proteinuria and infection. Any finding that would put the donor at future risk ends the donation — and that decision is the surgeon's to make, not the family's.
Legal clearance
Transplantation in India is governed by the Transplantation of Human Organs and Tissues Act. Relationship must be documented with identity proof, photographs and where required a DNA or authorisation committee decision. The transplant coordinator prepares this file alongside the medical workup so the two finish together rather than one waiting on the other.
Pre-Transplant Evaluation — common questions
How long does the evaluation take?
Typically three to six weeks if appointments are taken promptly. Cardiac clearance and committee scheduling are the usual rate-limiting steps.
What if a donor is found unfit?
The donation does not proceed, and the family is counselled on alternatives including another relative, a swap transplant or the deceased-donor registry.
Can evaluation be done while I am on dialysis?
Yes. Dialysis continues normally throughout the workup and stops only after a functioning transplant.
Is a DNA test always required?
Not always. It is asked for when documentary proof of relationship is incomplete or when the authorisation committee requires confirmation.
Reviewed by Dr. Kinjal Banerjee, MBBS, MS (General Surgery), DNB (Urology) — Urologist, Renal Transplant & Robotic Surgeon, Faridabad. This page explains pre-transplant evaluation in general terms; your own treatment plan depends on your reports and examination.