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Whether your new kidney comes from a living donor or a deceased donor, the transplant team must run several specific blood tests to determine if the kidney is a good match for you.
What is the first thing that happens in matching?
Usually the first test that is run is the blood typing test. The donor's blood has to be compatible with the recipient's blood or the recipient will have an allergic reaction.
| If the Recipient's blood type is: |
the Donor can be type: |
O
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O only
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A
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A or O
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B
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B or O
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AB
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O, A, B, or AB
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What is HLA?
A second test looks at human leukocyte antigens (HLA). Antigens are present on our white blood cells (leukocytes). We inherit three antigens from our father and three from our mother. The higher the number of matching antigens, the greater the chances the new kidney will work a long time.
What is a Crossmatch?
A third test, called Crossmatch Testing, looks at the antibodies your immune system has produced that may act against the donor's tissues. This test mixes a small amount of the recipient's blood with the donor's blood. A negative crossmatch means the two are compatible because there was no reaction. A positive crossmatch means the two are not compatible because there was a reaction.
What tests might the donor expect?
The transplant team will run other tests to help ensure a good match, including some of the following:
- A renal ultrasound uses sound waves to make a picture of your kidney that shows the size and shape of the kidney.
- Viral studies check for any viruses, such as cytomegalovirus (CMV), which might increase the risk of rejection in the recipient.
What happens when the tests are complete?
The transplant team reviews all information gathered from tests, interviews, your medical history, and your physical exam. Then they will determine whether or not you are a candidate for kidney transplant surgery.
What if I need a blood transfusion?
If you are waiting for a kidney transplant and need a blood transfusion, tell your physician you must receive blood that has had the white blood cells removed.
Why is it necessary to have the white blood cells removed prior to having a blood transfusion?
The white blood cells in the blood transfusion have HLA antigens on their surface. Antigens produce antibodies. The more antibodies you have, the more difficult it will be to find a matching kidney. Removing the white blood cells reduces the risk of your body producing additional antibodies while still providing the full health benefits of the transfusion.
Is there a special name for this type of blood transfusion?
This type of blood transfusion has three names, all meaning the same thing. These names are:
white cell free blood
leuco-depleted blood
leuco-poor blood
Is this type of blood transfusion difficult to find?
White cell free blood usually is readily available, but it may not be given routinely. For this reason, it must be requested.
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