Screening & Testing

If you’re thinking about donating a kidney, the first step is to see if you’re eligible.

The easiest way to get screened to be a kidney donor is by completing the National Kidney Registry’s online donor registration. After submitting your name, email, and phone number, you’ll receive a link to an initial screening. If approved, you’ll move on to a detailed medical screening questionnaire.

Eligibility Basics

While requirements vary by transplant center, living kidney donors must generally be in good overall health, with normal kidney function and no major physical or mental health conditions. You must be at least 18–25 years old, depending on the center. There is no maximum age, and healthy older donors are increasingly accepted—donors have successfully donated well into their 70s and even 80s.

Don’t Disqualify Yourself

Even if you have concerns about your age, weight, or health history, do not assume you will be disqualified as a living donor. Let the transplant team make that call. For example:

• Age: More older adults are being accepted as living kidney donors. In 2024, 30.5% of all living kidney donors were between the ages of 50 and 64, and 6% were 65 or over.
• Weight: A BMI over 35 may disqualify you, but some centers offer weight-loss support.
• Medical Conditions: Some previously disqualifying conditions no longer rule out donation, and criteria vary by transplant center.
• Mental Health: Most mental health conditions do not automatically disqualify you. Be open and honest with your transplant team to help them determine if donation is right for you.

Even if you are disqualified by one center, don’t give up. Many potential donors who were initially disqualified were later approved after improving their health or applying at a different transplant center. If you’re committed to donating, start with the online screening and let the experts guide you.

The Evaluation Process

Once you complete the medical questionnaire (approximately 45 minutes), the transplant center will review your responses. If you’re eligible to move forward, you’ll undergo testing to ensure donation will be safe for you. Testing may include blood work, imaging, urine tests, and more. You will not be charged for any pre-workup labs related to your donation.

Testing can take a single day or be spread over weeks, depending on the transplant center’s resources, your availability, and any additional steps you may need to take, such as quitting smoking, lowering blood pressure, or completing preventative screenings like mammograms or colonoscopies.