Your road to an organ transplant starts with the healthcare provider or specialist who is providing your care.
once you nail a referral, you will need to make an appointment for an evaluation.
The initial appointment will probably include a physical examination and blood draws for a wide variety of lab studies.
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You may have a variety of other tests, including imaging studies like an X-ray or a CT scan.
Your testing will also evaluate your ability to tolerate surgery.
There are exceptions, such as skin cancer, which would not prevent you from receiving a new organ.
You will also be evaluated for your ability to understand instructions and your treatment.
Not being able to afford a transplant does not mean that you will not be considered for surgery.
Social workers will help you seek counseling and support groups for your addictions if needed.
An inability to control addictive behaviors will exclude patients from being listed for a transplant.
National Waiting List or Not?
you might also be evaluated at a different transplant center that may have different criteria for selecting patients.
A Word From Verywell
The process to be listed for a transplant is rarely a quick one.
One exception is individuals who suddenly and unexpectedly develop organ failure, who will die without an immediate transplant.
Getting on the List-The National Waiting List.
Elizabeth Davies, M.D., Faculty, The Ohio State University.
