FAQ

Living organ donation is when a living person donates an organ to another person.

Anyone who is in good health and willing to freely donate can be a living organ donor.

Some people choose to be living organ donors because they want to help another person in need. Some people also choose to be living organ donors because they have a close relationship with the person who needs the organ.

The organs most commonly donated by a living donor include the kidney and part of the liver. Last year, living donors made possible more than 33,000 kidney transplants and 8,000 liver transplants.

Not necessarily. For example, the kidney paired donation program matches incompatible pairs and gives people the chance to become a living kidney donor while ensuring the person they want to help receives a kidney from someone else.

The risks associated with living organ donation are low. The most common risks are infection, bleeding, and pain.

Generally, you must be in good health to be a living organ donor. You will need to have a physical exam and psychological evaluation to make sure you are eligible.

To become a living donor, you must complete a comprehensive health questionnaire and undergo a comprehensive physical and psychological evaluation which may take several months to complete.  Once you are approved for donation and provide informed consent, you will be scheduled for surgery.  

If you are interested in becoming a living organ donor, you can contact the transplant coordinator at UHN. In BC, learn more through BC Transplant. Or fill out our contact form at the bottom of the page!”