Living Liver Donor Evaluation Proces

Why It Matters

By detailing a rigorous, ethically‑grounded pathway, the protocol protects donors and increases successful liver transplants, addressing a critical organ shortage.

Key Takeaways

• Registration requires health clearance, age 18+, and strong support system
• Independent Living Donor Advocate ensures no coercion or payment pressure
• Comprehensive testing includes labs, imaging, cardiac exams, all costs covered
• Final decision may involve paired donation if blood type or size mismatch
• Post‑surgery recovery requires 6‑week lift restriction, near‑hospital monitoring

Summary

The video outlines Johns Hopkins Hospital’s step‑by‑step living liver donor evaluation, guiding prospective donors through registration, medical testing, decision making and post‑operative care.

Candidates first complete an online profile confirming age, overall health, absence of cancer or infections, and a solid support network. After signing electronic consents, they meet an Independent Living Donor Advocate (ILDA) who safeguards against coercion. The donor team then gathers medical records and schedules a battery of tests—fasting labs, CT and MRI scans of the abdomen, cardiac ultrasound, echocardiogram, EKG, and chest X‑ray—at no cost to the donor, provided they cease smoking, vaping, and alcohol.

Results are reviewed by a multidisciplinary team (surgeon, hepatologist, nurse, social worker, dietician) during a Baltimore visit, followed by a final ILDA interview. Approval may be direct or pending, and mismatches in blood type or liver size can trigger a paired‑donation swap. Once cleared, donors undergo a six‑hour operation, gallbladder removal, and a five‑to‑seven‑day hospital stay, with strict post‑op limits on driving and lifting.

The process emphasizes ethical transparency, comprehensive medical assessment, and long‑term follow‑up through two years, ensuring donor safety while expanding the pool of viable liver transplants for patients in need.

Original Description

Considering becoming a living organ donor? In this video, the transplant team at Johns Hopkins Medicine explains the living donor evaluation process and what potential donors can expect. Learn about the step-by-step screening, medical testing, and consultations designed to ensure donation is safe for both the donor and the recipient. #livingdonor #johnshopkins #liverdonation https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/transplant/programs/liver/living-donor-liver-transplant

The evaluation typically includes an initial health screening, blood tests to determine compatibility, physical and psychological assessments, and imaging or other diagnostic tests to confirm the donor is healthy enough for surgery.

Our team is committed to supporting living donors every step of the way while prioritizing their health, safety and informed decision-making.

Learn more about transplant services at https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/transplant/programs/liver/living-donor-liver-transplant