Preparing For Your Transplant

After an organ becomes available, someone from UPMC will notify you.

When you get the call for your transplant:

• Do not eat or drink.
• Make sure you have all your medications.
• Remember to pack your cell phone and charger.
• Report to the designated area of the hospital that your coordinator specified.
• Bring your care partner.

Start Your Transplant Journey

Getting to UPMC

When you receive a call that your new organ is available, you need to get to UPMC right away — within as little as four hours, depending on the type of transplant you are having.

Your transplant coordinator will let you know how quickly you must get to UPMC, and your social worker can give you details about flights and transportation options if needed.

When You Arrive at the Hospital

When you arrive at UPMC, we will prepare you for your transplant surgery.

The donor team will inspect the organ to make sure it's ideal for transplant and a match for you.

In the meantime — to make sure you're in good health with no active illnesses — you'll:

• Complete a medical history and physical examination.
• Have blood work.
• Get x-rays.

Before moving you to the OR, your anesthesiologist will speak with you about what to expect. You'll receive general anesthesia and sleep through the transplant procedure.

You will also speak to one of the surgical team members to get consent for the transplant to take place.