Kidney transplantation is the implanting of a healthy kidney from another person (donor) into a patient with end-stage renal disease (recipient). The suitability of a candidate for a kidney transplant depends on certain medical conditions. Various laboratory tests are done to ensure that the donor and recipients are good matches. The time it takes to get a transplant varies. Unfortunately, not enough kidneys are available for transplantation. Hence, some patients may be on a waiting list for some time.

A kidney may be donated from:

•    A living blood relative, such as a parent or a sibling

•    A living non-relative, such as a spouse or a very close friend

•    A deceased donor, who before death declared their intention to become a donor