Donor Shield for Kidney Donation
Thank you for your interest in donating a kidney. If you donate through the National Kidney Registry, you are automatically covered by Donor Shield, a comprehensive suite of supports and protections for donors, including up to $30,000 in reimbursement for donation-related lost wages, travel expenses, and dependent care costs.
Ready to see if you’re qualified to donate your kidney?
Take the first step and complete a 5-minute introductory questionnaire.
What is Involved in Donating 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.
Screening & Testing
- 45 mins Complete a confidential screening / medical history
- ~3 days Center will 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*
*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.
Living Kidney Donation Process
If you want to become a living kidney donor, you can donate to someone you know or a stranger. Before you become a living kidney donor you will need to go through thorough testing to ensure you are medically able to donate. If you want to donate your kidney to someone specific, the NKR’s Voucher Program is the best way to ensure your intended recipient gets the best matched kidney, and you don’t have to be compatible with your intended recipient.
Living Kidney Donation By the Numbers
