Jan 18 2009
Cadaver Kidneys
If kidney function deteriorates to the point where a transplant is required to save a life, there are two methods of obtaining a new kidney for the transplant. One method is by having a kidney donated by a living donor, the other is by receiving a functional kidney that is taken from someone who has recently passed away. We will now take a closer look at the latter scenario.
When a kidney is removed from a recently deceased person for the purpose of transplantation, it is known as a cadaver kidney. The kidney is briefly stored while tests are performed to determine the recipient best suited to receive it. In general, every effort is made to ensure that the kidney does not have to be stored for longer than 30 hours before it is used. However, there have been cases where kidneys that were stored for even greater periods of time were used in successful transplants. Cadaver kidneys account for nearly 70% of all kidney transplants performed in the United States.
Anonymity
In the United States, policy does not allow the recipient of the cadaver kidney to know the identity of the person it came from. Likewise, the family of the deceased donor does not receive information pertaining to the recipient of the kidney.
Wait Period
Depending on the availability of a matching cadaver kidney, patients in need of a transplant may have to wait as much as 12 months or more. However, in some cases the wait period is considerably shorter.