Donate a Kidney
Donating a kidney is a life-changing gift but also a major commitment that involves extensive testing, major surgery and weeks of recovery time. If you decide to donate a kidney, here’s the process you’ll go through.
Ready to see if you’re qualified to donate your kidney?
Take the first step and complete a 5-minute introductory questionnaire.
Screening & Testing
- 45 mins Complete a confidential screening / medical history
- 3–4 weeks Complete pre-workup labs*
- ~3 days Center should contact you
- ~3 days Complete standard workup
- 1 – 4 months Get cleared for donation
Surgery & Recovery
- 1 day Complete pre-op
- 1 – 5 hours Complete surgery
- 1 – 4 days Recover in hospital
- 1 week Refrain from flying
- 2 – 6 weeks Recover at home**
*You will not be charged for any pre-workup labs related to your donation.
**Most people can return to normal activities after 2 – 4 weeks. Donors with physically demanding jobs may need 4 – 6 weeks of recovery before returning to work. High-performance athletes will need 6 months to a year before they are back to pre-donation performance levels.