This tool evaluates donor-recipient kidney transplant compatibility based on ABO blood group matching, immunological factors, health profile, and NOTTO India guidelines. Enter both profiles below for a comprehensive assessment.
Medical Disclaimer
This tool provides a preliminary compatibility estimate for educational purposes only. It does not replace clinical evaluation, crossmatch testing, HLA typing, or medical advice. Actual transplant eligibility is determined by a qualified transplant team through comprehensive laboratory and clinical assessment. Always consult Dr. Anil Prasad Bhatt or your treating nephrologist before making transplant decisions.
Can a family member with a different blood group donate a kidney?
ABO-incompatible transplants are possible with desensitization protocols (plasmapheresis and immunosuppression). Dr. Bhatt has performed numerous ABO-incompatible transplants with excellent outcomes. However, ABO-compatible donors are always preferred due to lower immunological risk and better long-term graft survival.
What is the legal age limit for kidney donation in India?
Under the Transplantation of Human Organs Act (THOA), living donors must be between 18 and 65 years of age. Donors above 60 require additional cardiac and vascular evaluation. Minors (under 18) cannot donate kidneys under any circumstances as per Indian law.
What is a crossmatch test and why is it important?
A crossmatch test mixes the donor's cells with the recipient's blood serum to check for pre-formed antibodies. A negative crossmatch means no antibodies were detected, indicating compatibility. A positive crossmatch indicates the recipient has antibodies against the donor, which can cause hyperacute rejection. This is one of the most critical tests before transplant surgery.
Can an unrelated person donate a kidney in India?
Yes, but unrelated donations require approval from the Hospital Authorization Committee under NOTTO guidelines. The committee verifies that the donation is genuinely altruistic, with no commercial transaction involved. Documentation includes affidavits, photographs, and proof of relationship or altruistic intent. The process takes 2-4 weeks for committee clearance.
What is PRA (Panel Reactive Antibodies) and how does it affect transplant?
PRA measures the percentage of the population's HLA antigens that a recipient has antibodies against. A PRA of 0% means the recipient has no pre-formed antibodies (unsensitized), while >80% means the recipient is highly sensitized and finding a compatible donor is more difficult. High PRA can result from previous transplants, blood transfusions, or pregnancies. Desensitization protocols may be needed for highly sensitized patients.
How long does the donor evaluation process take?
A comprehensive donor evaluation typically takes 2-4 weeks and includes blood tests, urine analysis, kidney function tests (eGFR, creatinine clearance), imaging (CT angiogram of kidneys), cardiac evaluation, and psychological assessment. For related donors, the process is generally faster. Unrelated donors require additional time for Authorization Committee clearance.
Is it safe to live with one kidney after donation?
Living kidney donation is considered safe for healthy, carefully evaluated donors. The remaining kidney compensates by increasing its filtration capacity by about 70% within weeks. Long-term studies show that kidney donors have life expectancies similar to the general population. However, donors should maintain a healthy lifestyle with regular follow-up, blood pressure monitoring, and annual kidney function tests.
What happens if the donor has controlled hypertension?
Donors with well-controlled hypertension on a single medication may be considered for donation after thorough evaluation, including 24-hour ambulatory blood pressure monitoring and assessment for end-organ damage. Uncontrolled hypertension or hypertension requiring multiple medications is generally a contraindication for donation, as the remaining kidney faces increased risk.
What is the cost of kidney transplant in India?
Kidney transplant costs in India vary by hospital and city. Generally, the procedure costs between INR 5-8 lakhs in government hospitals and INR 10-20 lakhs in private hospitals. This includes surgery, hospital stay, initial medications, and donor evaluation. Post-transplant immunosuppression costs approximately INR 8,000-15,000 per month. Dr. Bhatt's team can provide a detailed cost estimate during consultation.
What is a swap/paired kidney exchange?
When a willing donor is ABO-incompatible with their intended recipient, paired kidney exchange (swap transplant) offers an alternative. Two incompatible donor-recipient pairs swap donors so each recipient gets a compatible kidney. This is legally permitted in India under NOTTO guidelines and avoids the need for desensitization. Dr. Bhatt can facilitate paired exchange through the national registry.