Patients referred to Sutter Transplant Services must go through a comprehensive pre-transplant evaluation to determine a transplant is the best choice for care. Not every patient with kidney failure is a good candidate for transplantation. Kidney transplants are most successful for patients who are otherwise in good health and whose condition would improve greatly with a new kidney.

Each patient referred to Sutter Transplant Services under goes a 7-step evaluation process to determine whether he or she is likely to benefit from a transplant and to ensure there are no additional health conditions that would put him or her at risk.

1. Clinic Appointment:
   History and physical performed by physician to identity problems and determine if a transplant is the best option for you. Determine if a living donor is available to donate a kidney to you.


2. Blood Tests:
   To determine any pre-existing health conditions and to determine matching criteria


3. Chest X-ray:
   To determine lung function


4. Electrocardiogram (EKG):
   To check heart function


5. Social Work Consultation:
   Discussion of psych-social issues, coping mechanisms, etc.


6. Transplant Teaching:
   To explain the transplant process and your responsibilities and expectations after transplant.


7. Financial Consultation:
   Discussion of financial responsibilities and understanding your transplant benefits.


8. Additional Testing or Evaluation:
   Determined by physician and/or Transplant Committee (such as cardiac evaluation).

Once the evaluation process is completed, an outline of your medical evaluation and results are then presented to the Transplant Committee. The committee accepts or denies a transplant.

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