3 Misconceptions about Living Organ Donation

There’s a simple solution that could save the lives of the 5,171 Georgians currently waiting for a kidney transplant: living organ donation. In an effort to raise awareness regarding this issue, Megan Parker, RN, BSN, of Piedmont Transplant Institute, debunks myths about living organ donation.

Myth #1: If I donate a kidney, I’m at increased risk for health issues later in life.

False. A living donor’s risk of developing kidney failure following donation is less than 1 percent. Living kidney donors typically follow up with a primary care physician yearly to maintain good health.

Myth #2: I’m not a match. There’s nothing I can do to help my loved one get a transplant.

False. If you’re not a match for a loved one, you can participate in paired exchange. This allows you to donate a kidney to someone else who has a living organ donor that would, in turn, donate a kidney to your loved one. Even if you’re not a candidate for kidney donation, you can help your loved one spread the word.

Myth #3: I can only donate a kidney to someone who is the same ethnicity as me.

False. It doesn’t matter what gender, race or ethnicity you are. What matters is blood type.

Details: piedmont.org