What is living kidney donation?

Living kidney donation is when a healthy person donates one of their kidneys to someone who needs a kidney transplant. A person can generally live with one healthy kidney, but every potential donor must undergo a detailed medical assessment before donation can be considered.

Who can become a kidney donor?

Not everyone who wants to donate will be medically suitable. Potential donors are assessed individually. Factors such as overall health, kidney function, medical history, blood pressure and other health conditions may be considered by the transplant team.

Can I donate a kidney to a family member?

Potentially. Living kidney donation may be possible between relatives, partners, friends or other suitable donors. The donor and recipient must undergo the appropriate medical and compatibility assessments.

Can I donate to someone I do not know?

In some donation systems, non-directed living donation may be possible. The rules and requirements vary by country and transplant programme. Speak with an authorized transplant centre to understand the options available to you.

What tests are required before donating a kidney?

The evaluation can include blood tests, urine tests, blood pressure measurements, kidney-function tests, imaging scans and other medical assessments. Potential donors may also receive psychological or social evaluation as part of the donation process.

What happens if I am not a match?

If a donor is not directly compatible with the intended recipient, the transplant team may discuss other options. Depending on the country and programme, kidney paired donation may be one possible option.

How is kidney donation surgery performed?

Kidney removal from a living donor is performed by a specialist surgical team. Many transplant centres use minimally invasive or keyhole surgical techniques, although the exact procedure depends on the donor and the transplant centre.

How long does recovery take after kidney donation?

Recovery varies from person to person and depends on the surgical approach, general health and individual circumstances. Your transplant team will provide personalized instructions about returning to normal activities, work and exercise.

Can I live normally with one kidney?

Many people live healthy and active lives with one functioning kidney. However, living donation is a major medical decision and requires appropriate medical assessment and long-term follow-up.

What are the risks of donating a kidney?

Kidney donation is major surgery and, like other operations, carries potential risks. These can include surgical complications, infection, pain and other medical risks. Your transplant team should explain the risks and benefits based on your individual health.

Will I need medical follow-up after donating?

Yes. Follow-up care is an important part of living kidney donation. Your transplant team will provide guidance about monitoring your health and kidney function after donation.

Can I change my mind about donating?

A potential donor should only proceed voluntarily and after receiving appropriate information and support. If you have concerns or no longer wish to donate, speak privately with your donor coordinator or transplant team.

Does this site decide whether I can donate?

No. Donor eligibility must be determined by an appropriately qualified transplant medical team. This site provides information and helps people understand the donation journey, but medical decisions must be made by qualified healthcare professionals.

How can I start the kidney donation process?

Start by speaking with an authorized transplant centre or living donor coordinator. They can explain the process, eligibility requirements, medical assessment and next steps for your situation.

Lawful Living Kidney Donation — Your Rights, Your Options

We are a NOTTO-registered transplant center authorized to accept living kidney donations. We help you understand the legal framework under THOTA 1994, your rights as a donor, and the donation pathway — all compliant with Indian law.

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Your Legal Rights as a Potential Donor

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Informed Consent

Full disclosure of risks, benefits, alternatives before any evaluation begins.

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Independent Evaluation

Medical/surgical/psychological assessment by a team not involved in recipient's care.

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Right to Withdraw

At any point before surgery, without pressure or consequence.

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Expense Reimbursement

Actual costs (travel, stay, lost wages, medical) per THOTA Sections 3, 9, 19.

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Post-Donation Care

Lifelong follow-up; priority on transplant waiting list if ever needed.

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Confidentiality

DPDP Act 2023 compliant data handling — your medical data is protected.

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Legal Protection

THOTA criminalizes organ trade; donors protected from coercion.

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Authorisation Committee

Non-near-relative donations require State Committee approval proving no payment.

Your Donation Options

Option	Eligibility	Authorization Required
Near-Relative Living Donation	Spouse, parents, siblings, children, grandparents, grandchildren	Hospital ethics committee + medical evaluation
Non-Near-Relative Living Donation	Friends, distant relatives, altruistic strangers	State Authorisation Committee (must prove affection, no payment)
Paired/Swap Donation	Incompatible donor-recipient pairs	NOTTO coordination + hospital ethics committees
Deceased Donor Waitlist	Medically suitable recipients	NOTTO state organ sharing network registration

Expense Reimbursement (THOTA Sections 3, 9, 19)

There is no financial compensation, "gain," or profit for donating a kidney.The law permits only reimbursement of actual verifiable expenses incurred:

Travel expenses (to/from hospital for evaluation, surgery, follow-up)
Accommodation for donor and one attendant
Lost wages (documented, for recovery period)
Medical costs related to donation (pre-op, surgery, post-op, medications)

All reimbursements require documentation. The hospital ethics committee reviews and approves each claim.

The Donor Evaluation Process

Initial Inquiry

Contact our team via WhatsApp or form. We answer questions and explain the process.

Preliminary Screening

Blood group, basic health history, and motivation assessment.

Comprehensive Medical Evaluation

GFR, HLA, imaging (CT/MRI), cardiac, pulmonary, infectious disease screening per KDIGO 2024.

Surgical Assessment

Anatomy evaluation (CT angiography), surgical planning (laparoscopic vs open).

Psychological Evaluation

Independent psychiatrist assessment — ensures voluntary, informed decision without coercion.

Ethics Committee Review

Hospital committee reviews complete file; State Authorisation Committee for non-near-relatives.

Surgery & Recovery

Typically laparoscopic nephrectomy; 3-5 day hospital stay; 4-6 week recovery.

Lifelong Follow-Up

Annual creatinine, eGFR, BP, proteinuria monitoring; priority waitlist status if ever needed.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is living kidney donation?: Living kidney donation is when a healthy person donates one of their kidneys to someone who needs a kidney transplant. A person can generally live with one healthy kidney, but every potential donor must undergo a detailed medical assessment before donation can be considered.
Who can become a kidney donor?: Not everyone who wants to donate will be medically suitable. Potential donors are assessed individually. Factors such as overall health, kidney function, medical history, blood pressure and other health conditions may be considered by the transplant team.
Can I donate a kidney to a family member?: Potentially. Living kidney donation may be possible between relatives, partners, friends or other suitable donors. The donor and recipient must undergo the appropriate medical and compatibility assessments.
Can I donate to someone I do not know?: In some donation systems, non-directed living donation may be possible. The rules and requirements vary by country and transplant programme. Speak with an authorized transplant centre to understand the options available to you.
What tests are required before donating a kidney?: The evaluation can include blood tests, urine tests, blood pressure measurements, kidney-function tests, imaging scans and other medical assessments. Potential donors may also receive psychological or social evaluation as part of the donation process.
What happens if I am not a match?: If a donor is not directly compatible with the intended recipient, the transplant team may discuss other options. Depending on the country and programme, kidney paired donation may be one possible option.
How is kidney donation surgery performed?: Kidney removal from a living donor is performed by a specialist surgical team. Many transplant centres use minimally invasive or keyhole surgical techniques, although the exact procedure depends on the donor and the transplant centre.
How long does recovery take after kidney donation?: Recovery varies from person to person and depends on the surgical approach, general health and individual circumstances. Your transplant team will provide personalized instructions about returning to normal activities, work and exercise.
Can I live normally with one kidney?: Many people live healthy and active lives with one functioning kidney. However, living donation is a major medical decision and requires appropriate medical assessment and long-term follow-up.
What are the risks of donating a kidney?: Kidney donation is major surgery and, like other operations, carries potential risks. These can include surgical complications, infection, pain and other medical risks. Your transplant team should explain the risks and benefits based on your individual health.
Will I need medical follow-up after donating?: Yes. Follow-up care is an important part of living kidney donation. Your transplant team will provide guidance about monitoring your health and kidney function after donation.
Can I change my mind about donating?: A potential donor should only proceed voluntarily and after receiving appropriate information and support. If you have concerns or no longer wish to donate, speak privately with your donor coordinator or transplant team.
Does this site decide whether I can donate?: No. Donor eligibility must be determined by an appropriately qualified transplant medical team. This site provides information and helps people understand the donation journey, but medical decisions must be made by qualified healthcare professionals.
How can I start the kidney donation process?: Start by speaking with an authorized transplant centre or living donor coordinator. They can explain the process, eligibility requirements, medical assessment and next steps for your situation.

Ready to Learn More?

Start your donation inquiry today. Our team will guide you through every step — confidentially and at your pace.

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