Evaluation Process

1. At the center, you will learn about the process of getting a transplant, have your physical and mental health evaluated and you will work with a financial expert to determine if you are a good candidate for transplantation. If so you will be put on the national transplant list.

Even though this is an opportunity for you to be evaluated, it is also a great chance to learn more about the process. And remember it is perfectly fine to decide that getting a transplant isn’t for you. Every transplant center will be slightly different so use this as a guide of what to expect. In many centers the first step is an orientation process to learn more about their center and about the procedure itself.[1][2] This initial meeting will give you and in many cases your family or close friend a chance to meet a few of the staff, learn about the steps before and after the surgery, tour the facility and get your questions answered.

After the initial meeting you will begin your physical and mental evaluation. These tests tend to include:

• Blood draws for testing blood type and as a screen for diseases
• Human Leukocyte Antigens (HLA, commonly referred to as “tissue typing”) for matching purposes.
• Disease screening for diseases such as hepatitis and human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)
• Basic physical examination to look for items such as acceptable weight, cardiovascular health and overall health
• Chest x-ray to look for abnormal lung function or the status of tuberculosis
• Dental exam to look for cavities and infections
• Electrocardiogram (EKG) to look for abnormal heart function
• Mental health or psycho-social evaluation that helps determine how you will cope with the process and if you are motivated to care for your new organ