Living-Donor Liver Transplant Criteria and Requirements
Living-donor liver transplants would not be possible without those who choose to donate a portion of their liver to enhance the life of a person with liver disease. This is possible because of the liver’s unique ability to regenerate, or regrow, after donation.
Register to Become a Living Donor
Who Can Become a Living-Liver Donor?
A healthy donor must:
- Be between the ages of 18 and 60.
- Be in good physical and mental health.
- Have a BMI less than or equal to 32.
- Not engage in active ongoing drug or substance use.
- Have an unselfish desire to contribute to another person’s life in a healthy way.
- Be in general good health with no history of:
- Liver disease, including cirrhosis and hepatitis.
- Significant diseases involving the other organs: lung, kidney, and heart.
- Pulmonary hypertension.
- HIV.
- Active malignant cancers.
To become a living-liver donor, you must have a compatible blood type.
A potential donor must pass the following exams/screenings:
- Blood tests.
- Chest x-rays.
- CT scan.
- Tissue matching.
How Can I Become a Living-Liver Donor?
To become a living donor, you do not have to be related to the recipient. The liver will regrow back to the original size in about three months post-donation. The Living Donor Transplant team understands that every transplant is different, and they will be there with you every step of the way.
