Transplant Terms

A blood test that shows your average blood sugar over the past 2 to 3 months. It may be checked before or after transplant, especially if you have diabetes or develop high blood sugar after transplant.

Your blood group: A, B, AB, or O. Blood type is one part of matching a donor kidney with a recipient.

A transplant between a donor and recipient whose blood types do not naturally match. Some centers can do this with special treatment before and after transplant.

A way for the medical team to reach your bloodstream or abdomen for treatment. In kidney care, this may mean dialysis access, an IV, a central line, or a peritoneal dialysis catheter.

A waitlist status that usually means you are eligible to receive kidney offers right now. You still need to keep your phone, insurance, testing, and transplant center information current.

A sudden drop in kidney function that happens over hours or days. AKI may improve, but it needs close follow-up because it can become serious quickly.

A rejection episode that happens over a shorter period of time, often in the first months after transplant but possible later too. It is usually found through labs, biopsy, or symptoms and may be treatable when caught early.

Taking medicines, completing labs, keeping appointments, and communicating with the team as agreed. When the plan is hard to follow, tell your team early so they can help solve the barrier.

A protein normally found in the blood. Low blood albumin or albumin leaking into the urine can give your team clues about nutrition, inflammation, kidney stress, or other health issues.

Albumin leaking into the urine. It can be a sign that the kidney filters are under stress or damaged.

A lymphocyte-depleting medicine used for induction therapy at some transplant centers to lower early rejection risk. Because it lowers immune-cell activity, infection risk and other effects require close monitoring.

Another word for a transplanted organ. In this book, it usually means the transplanted kidney.

When the immune system has formed antibodies that may react against donor tissue. This can happen after pregnancy, blood transfusion, or a previous transplant.

A nonprofit organization that provides kidney-health education and, through certain programs, financial assistance to eligible people with kidney disease. Program eligibility and funding can change, so confirm current requirements directly with AKF.

Related information: Resources

A surgical connection between two body structures. During kidney transplant, the surgeon connects the donor kidney's blood vessels and ureter to the recipient's body.

A low red blood cell count or low hemoglobin. It can make you feel tired, weak, dizzy, short of breath, or less able to do normal activities.

A rare immune disease that can injure the kidneys and sometimes the lungs. Some patients with this condition may later be evaluated for transplant after the disease is controlled.

Medicine that helps protect the transplanted kidney by calming the immune system. These medicines are also called immunosuppressants and must be taken exactly as directed.

A strong immune-suppressing medicine sometimes used around the time of transplant or to treat rejection. It lowers certain white blood cells that can attack the kidney.

Medicine used to treat or prevent bacterial infection. Always check with your transplant team before starting a new antibiotic because some interact with transplant medicines.

A protein made by the immune system. Some antibodies fight infection, while others may react against a donor kidney.

A type of rejection in which antibodies injure the transplanted kidney. It may be suspected when labs change and is usually evaluated with blood tests, antibody testing, and a kidney biopsy. Treatment depends on the biopsy findings and the transplant center plan.

Medicine used to prevent or treat fungal infections. Some antifungals can strongly affect transplant medicine levels, so the transplant team needs to know if one is started.

A marker the immune system can recognize. In transplant, donor antigens help the team understand matching and rejection risk.

Medicine used to lower blood pressure. Blood pressure control helps protect the transplanted kidney, heart, and blood vessels.

Medicine used to prevent or treat viral infections. After transplant, antivirals are often used to help prevent infections such as CMV in patients at risk.

A gene that may be discussed in some kidney disease or living donor evaluations. Your team can explain whether it is relevant to your situation.

A surgically created connection between an artery and a vein, usually in the arm, used for hemodialysis. It is designed to provide the high blood flow needed for dialysis and generally has lower infection and clotting risk than other long-term hemodialysis access types.

Related information: Dialysis

A man-made tube used to connect an artery and a vein for hemodialysis when an AV fistula is not a good option. It can often be used sooner than a fistula but has a higher risk of infection and blood clots.

Related information: Dialysis

Approval from an insurance plan before a test, medicine, procedure, or transplant-related service is covered. Delays in authorization can slow parts of the process.

Bone damage that can happen when part of a bone does not get enough blood supply. It may cause joint pain, often in the hip, knee, or shoulder. People with kidney disease or transplant history may hear this term because steroid exposure and other health factors can increase risk.

An older anti-rejection medicine used in some patients. It may be considered when another medication is not the best fit.

A standardized way pathologists describe kidney transplant biopsy findings. It helps the transplant team classify rejection or other injury patterns so treatment decisions are based on more than one lab result.

The creatinine level that is usual for you when your kidney function is stable. Your team compares new results to your baseline to look for meaningful changes.

An immune-suppressing medicine sometimes given around the time of transplant to lower early rejection risk.

An anti-rejection medicine given by IV infusion. It may be used instead of, or in place of, certain other transplant medicines for selected patients.

A blood test that helps show the acid balance in your body. Kidneys help manage this balance, so low levels may need treatment or closer monitoring.

A procedure that removes a tiny piece of kidney tissue so it can be examined under a microscope. It can help diagnose rejection, medication injury, recurrent disease, or other causes of kidney problems.

BK virus detected in the blood, usually by a nucleic acid test such as PCR. After kidney transplant, rising BK levels can signal increased risk of BK-related kidney injury, so the transplant team may repeat testing and adjust immunosuppression when appropriate.

Related information: Life After Transplant

BK virus is a common virus that can become active when the immune system is suppressed. BKPyVAN means BK polyomavirus-associated nephropathy, which is BK-related injury in the transplanted kidney. Your team may monitor blood or urine tests and may adjust immune-suppression medicines if BK becomes a concern.

The blood pressure range your team wants you to aim for. The safest goal depends on your overall health, kidney function, medicines, and transplant center guidance.

How well the donor's and recipient's blood types fit together. This is one part of deciding whether a kidney offer or living donor match can move forward.

A blood test that reflects one type of waste product in the body. It is interpreted with other labs, symptoms, hydration status, and the overall clinical picture.

A number calculated from height and weight. Some transplant centers use BMI as one piece of surgical risk assessment, but it does not describe the whole person.

A legal and medical determination that the brain has permanently stopped functioning. Some deceased donor organs come from donors declared dead by brain death criteria.

A special stain that may be checked on a kidney transplant biopsy. When C4d is present in certain patterns, it can support the diagnosis of antibody-related injury, but it is interpreted together with the biopsy, lab results, antibody testing, and the clinical picture.

An older term for a deceased donor. Many teams now use the term deceased donor because it is more respectful and patient-centered.

A class of anti-rejection medicines that includes tacrolimus and cyclosporine. These medicines are effective but need level monitoring because too much or too little can cause problems.

Tests used to look for cancer before symptoms appear, such as colonoscopy, mammogram, Pap testing, prostate screening, skin checks, or other tests based on age and risk. Transplant centers often require screenings to be up to date.

A person who has been accepted by a transplant program and registered on the transplant waiting list for an organ. A candidate may be active or inactive depending on current readiness and program requirements.

Related information: Waiting for a Transplant

A realistic plan for who will help after transplant with transportation, medicines, meals, appointments, safety monitoring, and communication. The plan should be workable, not just hopeful.

A team member who helps organize the transition from hospital to home or another care setting. They may help with home health, supplies, equipment, transportation, or insurance approvals.

A tube placed in the body to drain fluid, give treatment, or provide access. Examples include a urinary catheter, dialysis catheter, or IV catheter.

A blood test that may help show whether a transplanted kidney is under stress or injury. It is one tool, not a diagnosis by itself, and results must be interpreted by your transplant team.

A tube placed into a large vein, often used temporarily for hemodialysis or certain IV treatments. It requires careful infection-prevention steps.

Long-term kidney damage or reduced kidney function. CKD is usually followed over time with blood pressure checks, urine tests, blood tests, and treatment of related health conditions.

Long-term immune-related injury and scarring that can slowly reduce transplant kidney function. It can be difficult to reverse, so ongoing labs and medicine routines matter.

A common virus that can cause serious illness after transplant when the immune system is suppressed. Some patients receive antiviral medicine and blood monitoring to reduce risk.

A way of describing whether the donor and recipient have had CMV before. Certain combinations have higher risk and may require closer prevention and monitoring.

The donor’s and recipient’s CMV antibody status before transplant. It is often written with D for donor and R for recipient, such as D+/R−. The combination helps the transplant team estimate CMV risk and plan prevention and monitoring.

Related information: Early Recovery

The amount of time a donor kidney is kept cold after it is removed from the donor and before blood flow is restored in the recipient. Longer cold time can sometimes affect how quickly the kidney starts working, but it is only one part of the donor kidney assessment.

Another medical condition a person has in addition to kidney disease, such as diabetes, heart disease, lung disease, or high blood pressure.

How well a donor and recipient fit together for transplant. Compatibility includes blood type, crossmatch, antibodies, HLA factors, and the transplant center's medical judgment.

Care for kidney failure that focuses on symptom control and quality of life without dialysis or kidney transplant. It may include treatment for anemia, fluid problems, nausea, itching, blood pressure, and other symptoms, along with supportive and palliative care when appropriate.

Related information: Kidney Disease & Kidney Failure

A reason something may not be safe or appropriate at a certain time. Some contraindications are temporary and can change when a health issue is treated or stabilized.

The part of a medical bill or medication cost that the patient may need to pay. Amounts depend on the insurance plan and should be confirmed with the insurer or financial counselor.

Calculated panel reactive antibody. This number estimates how many donors may be difficult to match with because of antibodies. A higher cPRA can make finding a compatible kidney harder.

A waste product measured in the blood. It is one of the main numbers used to follow kidney function, but your team looks at the trend, not just one result.

A test that helps show whether the recipient has antibodies that may react against the donor kidney. A compatible crossmatch lowers the risk of immediate rejection.

A calcineurin inhibitor used as an anti-rejection medicine. It requires blood level monitoring and can affect kidney function, blood pressure, cholesterol, and other labs.

A person who has died and whose organs are donated for transplant. Deceased donor kidneys are allocated through the national transplant system.

The amount you may have to pay for covered health care or prescriptions before an insurance plan begins paying its share. Deductibles vary by plan and may apply differently to medical care and medications.

Related information: Practical Planning

A transplant committee decision that means more information or preparation is needed before a final decision is made. Deferred does not always mean no.

When the transplanted kidney does not start working well right away and dialysis is needed for a short time after transplant. Many kidneys with delayed graft function recover with time.

A dental review or treatment requested before transplant to lower infection risk. Requirements vary by transplant center.

A skin check, often recommended after transplant because anti-rejection medicines can increase skin cancer risk. Your team will tell you how often you need checks.

Treatment used in selected patients to lower certain antibodies before transplant or treat antibody-related problems. It may include plasma exchange, IVIG, or other therapies.

Kidney damage caused by diabetes over time. It is one of the common reasons people develop kidney failure and may need dialysis or transplant evaluation.

A treatment that removes waste and extra fluid when the kidneys cannot do enough of that work. Dialysis helps sustain life, but it does not cure kidney disease.

The place or device used to perform dialysis. Examples include an AV fistula, AV graft, hemodialysis catheter, or peritoneal dialysis catheter.

When a living donor gives a kidney to a specific intended recipient, such as a family member, friend, or someone they know.

The written and verbal plan you receive when leaving the hospital. It usually includes medicines, labs, appointments, wound care, activity limits, and symptoms to report.

Organ donation from a deceased donor who has been declared dead by brain death criteria. DBD is one pathway for deceased donor kidney donation.

Organ donation from a deceased donor whose heart and circulation have permanently stopped. DCD kidneys can work well but may have a higher chance of delayed graft function.

The person who gives a kidney for transplant. A donor may be living or deceased.

A series of kidney transplants that starts with one donor and helps several people receive compatible kidneys.

Surgery to remove a kidney from a living donor. Donor safety and informed consent are central parts of this process.

Tiny pieces of DNA from the donor kidney that can be measured in the recipient's blood. Higher results may suggest kidney injury, but the test does not replace clinical judgment or biopsy when needed.

An infection transmitted from an organ donor to a transplant recipient. Transplant programs use donor screening, testing, recipient monitoring, and rapid communication to reduce risk and respond when a possible donor-derived infection is identified.

Related information: Life After Transplant

Antibodies in the recipient that target the donor kidney. DSA can increase rejection risk and may require closer monitoring or treatment.

A shorthand way of recording whether a donor (D) and recipient (R) have evidence of prior exposure to a specific infection. A plus sign means positive and a minus sign means negative. The meaning and risk depend on the infection being discussed, such as CMV or EBV.

Related information: Evaluation

A target weight often used in dialysis care to estimate the body weight without extra fluid. It may change over time and should be guided by the dialysis team.

The donor’s and recipient’s Epstein-Barr virus antibody status before transplant. Donor/recipient combinations can help the transplant team assess EBV-related risk, including the risk of post-transplant lymphoproliferative disorder (PTLD), and decide how closely to monitor selected patients.

Related information: Life After Transplant

An estimate of how well the kidneys are filtering blood. It is calculated from blood tests and other factors and is best understood as a trend over time.

Minerals in the blood, such as potassium, sodium, magnesium, calcium, phosphorus, and bicarbonate. They affect the heart, muscles, nerves, bones, and fluid balance.

A creatinine level higher than your usual baseline. It does not always mean rejection, but it should be reviewed in context with labs, symptoms, hydration, medicines, and recent events.

Whether transplant is considered safe and appropriate at a certain point in time. Eligibility can change as medical, financial, support, or other barriers are addressed.

Symptoms that should not wait for a routine message or appointment, such as chest pain, severe trouble breathing, fainting, severe confusion, signs of stroke, or other symptoms your team identifies as urgent.

A transplant in which both kidneys from one deceased donor, often a small pediatric donor, are transplanted together into one recipient as a single unit. Whether this type of kidney offer is appropriate depends on the donor, recipient, surgical considerations, and transplant center judgment.

Related information: Waiting for a Transplant

Kidney failure severe enough that dialysis or transplant is usually needed to sustain life or keep the body in safer balance.

A common virus that many people have been exposed to during life. After transplant, EBV status matters because immune-suppression medicines can increase the risk of certain EBV-related complications, including PTLD in some patients.

A score assigned to adult kidney transplant candidates that estimates expected post-transplant survival relative to other adult candidates. It is used with KDPI in allocating some deceased-donor kidneys.

A hormone made by the kidneys that helps the body make red blood cells. Some patients need EPO-like medicine when anemia is related to kidney disease.

The testing and appointments used to decide whether transplant is safe and appropriate. Evaluation may include medical, surgical, psychosocial, financial, and support planning.

An anti-rejection medicine in the mTOR inhibitor family. It may be used for selected patients and requires lab monitoring. Your team will explain the reason for using it and what side effects or wound-healing concerns to watch for.

An older term used for some deceased donor kidneys with donor factors that could affect expected kidney function. Many programs now rely more on KDPI and the full donor assessment, but patients may still see ECD in older records or conversations.

A Medicare program that helps eligible people with limited income and resources lower Medicare Part D prescription-drug costs. Some people qualify automatically; others apply through Social Security.

A team member who helps review insurance coverage, transplant authorizations, medication coverage, and possible out-of-pocket costs.

An older name for tacrolimus. Some lab reports, older notes, or clinicians may still use this term.

A sensitive crossmatch test that looks for antibodies that could react with donor cells. It helps the transplant team assess compatibility.

Too much fluid in the body. It may cause swelling, shortness of breath, rapid weight gain, high blood pressure, or trouble lying flat.

The Family and Medical Leave Act, a U.S. job-protected leave law for eligible workers. It is not wage replacement, and eligibility should be confirmed with the employer or a qualified resource.

A kidney disease that scars some kidney filters. In some patients, FSGS can recur after transplant, so the team may monitor closely.

A urinary catheter placed into the bladder to drain urine. It is commonly used after kidney transplant so urine can drain freely and the team can measure urine output accurately.

The ongoing labs, appointments, calls, and medication checks after transplant. Follow-up is one of the main ways your team protects the kidney over time.

Steps that lower the risk of foodborne infection, such as avoiding certain high-risk foods and handling food carefully. This matters more after transplant because the immune system is suppressed.

A health plan’s list of covered prescription drugs. Coverage level, preferred pharmacies, prior-authorization rules, and the amount you pay can differ by drug and plan, so transplant medicines should be checked carefully when insurance changes.

Related information: Practical Planning

A measure of reduced physical reserve or resilience. It may include weakness, slowed movement, low activity, or difficulty recovering from illness or other stress. Transplant teams may assess frailty to better understand surgical risk and whether exercise, rehabilitation, or nutrition support could improve readiness.

An antiviral medicine, usually given by IV, that may be used to treat or prevent certain viral infections such as CMV in higher-risk situations. It requires monitoring because it can affect blood counts and kidney dosing.

A measure of how much blood the kidneys filter over time. GFR helps describe kidney function; in routine care, kidney function is often estimated with an eGFR rather than measured directly.

Related information: Kidney Disease & Kidney Failure

Tiny filtering units inside the kidneys. Damage to the glomeruli can lead to protein in the urine or reduced kidney function.

Inflammation or injury in the kidney filters. Some types can lead to kidney failure and some can recur after transplant.

The transplanted organ. In kidney transplant, the graft is the donated kidney.

How well the transplanted kidney is working. It is followed with labs, urine tests, blood pressure, symptoms, and sometimes imaging or biopsy.

When the transplanted kidney stops working well enough to meet the body's needs. A person may need dialysis, another transplant evaluation, or other care planning.

How long a transplanted kidney continues to function. Survival depends on many factors, including donor and recipient health, rejection, infection, medication access, and follow-up.

HCV viremia means hepatitis C virus is detectable in the blood. If a donor has HCV viremia, the transplant team should explain the specific offer and the plan for antiviral treatment, medication access, laboratory testing, and follow-up.

An American Kidney Fund assistance program that may help eligible people with kidney failure pay health-insurance premiums. Eligibility and assistance rules can change, so patients should confirm current requirements directly with AKF.

A heart evaluation requested before transplant to help decide whether surgery is safe. It may include an EKG, echocardiogram, stress test, imaging, or cardiology visit.

Blood in the urine. It may be visible or found on a urine test and should be interpreted with symptoms, labs, and your team's guidance.

A type of dialysis that uses a machine and filter to clean the blood. It can be done in a center or, for some patients, at home.

A blood test that shows the oxygen-carrying part of red blood cells. Low hemoglobin is one way anemia is measured.

A virus that infects the liver. Transplant candidates and donors are tested for HBV, and transplant teams review vaccination, infection history, donor results, and any need for treatment or monitoring before and after transplant.

Related information: Evaluation

A virus that infects the liver and can be detected with antibody and nucleic acid testing. In kidney transplantation, HCV results may be part of candidate and donor testing, organ-offer discussions, antiviral treatment planning, and follow-up.

Related information: Evaluation

A term used for transplant candidates with a high level of antibodies against HLA markers found in potential donors. This can make compatible matches harder to find, although kidney allocation policy gives additional priority to candidates with very high cPRA.

Related information: Waiting for a Transplant

Markers on cells that help the immune system tell what belongs to the body and what is foreign. HLA testing helps with transplant matching and antibody risk.

A difference between certain HLA markers in the donor and recipient. HLA matching is one part of kidney compatibility and allocation, but the transplant team considers many factors when deciding whether a kidney is appropriate.

Related information: Evaluation

A blood test that identifies a person's HLA markers. It is used to help match donors and recipients and assess transplant compatibility.

Dialysis done at home, such as peritoneal dialysis or home hemodialysis. It requires training, supplies, and a home plan that works safely.

A virus that affects the immune system. HIV testing is part of transplant candidate, donor, and post-transplant infectious-disease testing. People living with HIV may be eligible for kidney transplantation when appropriate medical criteria are met.

Related information: Evaluation

Having enough fluid in the body for safe circulation and kidney function. The right amount is individualized, especially for patients with heart, kidney, or fluid-balance issues.

A rare, very rapid rejection that can happen soon after transplant if strong pre-formed antibodies react against the kidney. Crossmatch testing is used to reduce this risk.

A high potassium level in the blood. Potassium affects heart rhythm, so very high levels can be dangerous and may need urgent treatment. Diet, kidney function, medicines, dehydration, and lab timing can all play a role.

High cholesterol or triglycerides. It can happen after transplant and may need diet changes, medication, or monitoring.

High blood pressure. It is common in kidney disease and after transplant and can affect the kidney, heart, brain, and blood vessels.

Kidney scarring and damage related to long-standing high blood pressure. Blood pressure control remains important before and after transplant because it helps protect the heart, blood vessels, and transplanted kidney.

A low magnesium level in the blood. Some transplant medicines can lower magnesium. Low magnesium may cause cramps, weakness, tremors, or heart rhythm concerns, although some people have no symptoms.

A kidney disease involving immune deposits in the kidney filters. It can lead to kidney failure and can sometimes recur after transplant.

Blood vessels in the pelvis where the transplanted kidney's artery and vein are often connected during surgery.

The body's defense system against infection and foreign substances. After transplant, medicines calm the immune system so it does not attack the donor kidney.

Having a weakened or suppressed immune system. Transplant patients are immunocompromised because anti-rejection medicines lower immune activity.

The use of medicine to lower immune activity and prevent rejection. It protects the kidney but also increases infection risk.

A waitlist status that usually means you are not currently receiving kidney offers, often because testing, insurance, health, or contact information needs attention.

The surgical cut made during an operation. After transplant, the incision needs monitoring for redness, drainage, opening, swelling, or increasing pain.

A donor-focused advocate whose role is separate from the care of the transplant candidate. The ILDA helps protect the potential donor’s rights, interests, understanding, privacy, and freedom to choose.

Strong anti-rejection medicine given around the time of transplant to lower early rejection risk. The exact medicine depends on your risk and center protocol.

Medicine given after transplant to lower the risk of certain infections, such as CMV, PJP, fungal infections, or other center-specific risks.

The process of receiving understandable information about the transplant evaluation, surgery, alternatives, expected benefits, important risks, outcomes, and your right to refuse so you can make a voluntary decision about care.

Approval from an insurance plan for a transplant-related service, medicine, admission, test, or procedure. It is different from medical approval by the transplant team.

The doctors, hospitals, pharmacies, and other providers that have contracted with a health plan. Using an out-of-network transplant center, clinician, laboratory, or pharmacy may affect coverage or cost, depending on the plan.

Related information: Practical Planning

A trained person or service that helps patients and families communicate in their preferred language. Asking for an interpreter is a safety step, not an inconvenience.

A blood-product treatment containing antibodies. In transplant, it may be used for desensitization, antibody-related rejection, or other immune issues.

A soft surgical drain that may be placed after transplant to remove fluid from the surgical area. Your team will teach you how to care for it if you go home with one.

The national process used to determine the order in which deceased-donor kidneys are offered to transplant candidates. Factors include waiting time, immune-system matching, pediatric status, prior living donation, distance, and other policy-defined considerations.

Related information: Waiting for a Transplant

The OPTN system and policies used to rank and sequence deceased-donor kidney offers. It incorporates factors such as waiting time, cPRA, KDPI, EPTS, pediatric priority, prior living donation, and geographic distance according to current policy.

Related information: Waiting for a Transplant

See Biopsy. A small sample of kidney tissue is taken and studied to help identify the cause of kidney dysfunction.

A number used in deceased donor kidney allocation to describe donor kidney characteristics. A lower KDPI often suggests a kidney expected to last longer on average, but the decision to accept an offer depends on your situation and the transplant team assessment.

When the kidneys can no longer do enough work to keep the body in safe balance without dialysis, transplant, or other supportive planning.

A living donor option used when a donor wants to donate to a specific person but is not the best match for that recipient. The pair may be matched with another donor-recipient pair so each recipient can receive a more compatible kidney.

A broad term for treatments that replace some kidney function when the kidneys fail. It includes hemodialysis, peritoneal dialysis, and kidney transplantation.

Related information: Kidney Disease & Kidney Failure

Surgery that places a healthy kidney from a living or deceased donor into a person whose kidneys have failed or are close to failing. The transplanted kidney takes over the work of filtering the blood and removing extra fluid. A kidney transplant is a treatment for kidney failure, not a cure, and ongoing medicines and follow-up are needed afterward.

Related information: Considering Kidney Transplant

The medical and support review used to decide whether transplant is safe, realistic, and appropriate. It usually includes testing, education, social work, financial review, and team discussion.

The timing for blood and urine tests ordered by your team. After transplant, lab timing is especially important because medication levels and kidney function can change quickly.

The direction lab values are moving over time. Trends often matter more than one isolated result.

A vaccine made with a weakened form of a living germ. Because anti-rejection medicines suppress the immune system, some live vaccines are generally avoided after transplant; vaccination plans should be reviewed with the transplant team.

Related information: Long-Term Life After Transplant

A living person who donates one kidney. Living donors go through their own evaluation focused on donor safety and informed choice.

A person or team that supports the living donor's rights, safety, privacy, and independent decision-making.

Kidney inflammation caused by lupus, an autoimmune disease. Lupus nephritis can lead to kidney failure in some people. Transplant may be considered when lupus is controlled and the transplant team feels it is safe to move forward.

A strong immune-suppressing treatment that lowers certain white blood cells. It may be used for induction or rejection treatment in selected patients.

An electrolyte that helps muscles, nerves, and heart rhythm. Some transplant medicines can lower magnesium levels.

The long-term anti-rejection medicines taken after transplant. Most patients take a combination of medicines every day unless the transplant team changes the plan.

The ordered list generated by the national transplant matching system for a specific donated organ. It identifies compatible candidates and sequences offers according to OPTN allocation policy.

Related information: Waiting for a Transplant

A specialist who manages high-risk pregnancy. Transplant patients considering pregnancy may be referred to MFM for coordinated planning.

Public health insurance for eligible people with limited income or certain qualifying situations. Program names and rules vary by state.

The U.S. federal health insurance program for people who meet certain eligibility requirements, including many people with end-stage renal disease. Medicare coverage can affect dialysis, transplant services, and medication coverage, so patients should confirm how it works with any other insurance they have.

Related information: Practical Planning

A Medicare-approved private health plan that provides Part A and Part B coverage and usually Part D drug coverage. Networks, prior authorization, and transplant-center participation can vary by plan, so transplant patients should verify details before enrolling or changing plans.

Related information: Practical Planning

Medicare coverage available to many people with kidney failure who meet ESRD eligibility rules. Timing, coordination with other insurance, and transplant medication coverage should be confirmed with qualified resources.

The hospital-insurance part of Medicare. For eligible kidney transplant care, Part A can cover inpatient transplant services and certain donor-related hospital costs.

Related information: Practical Planning

The medical-insurance part of Medicare. It covers many outpatient and clinician services and, when Medicare conditions are met, may cover immunosuppressive medicines after a Medicare-covered transplant.

Related information: Practical Planning

Medicare prescription-drug coverage. It helps cover outpatient medicines not covered under Part B; coverage, formularies, pharmacy networks, and costs vary by plan.

Related information: Practical Planning

A state-administered program that may help eligible people with limited income and resources pay certain Medicare costs. Applications are generally made through the state Medicaid agency.

Being able to get prescribed medicines on time and at an affordable cost. Medication access problems should be reported before doses are missed.

A current list of all medicines, doses, times, and reasons for taking them. This should include prescriptions, over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and supplements.

The process of comparing medication lists to make sure the correct medicines, doses, and instructions are being used.

An unwanted effect from a medicine. Never stop or change transplant medicines without your team's direction; report side effects so the plan can be adjusted safely.

Private supplemental insurance designed to help pay some out-of-pocket costs left by Original Medicare. Medigap is not the same as Medicare Advantage, and eligibility and enrollment protections can depend on timing and state law.

Related information: Practical Planning

A steroid medicine that may be given by IV during transplant care or rejection treatment.

Bone and mineral changes that can happen with chronic kidney disease. Calcium, phosphorus, vitamin D, and PTH can become unbalanced, which may affect bones, blood vessels, and overall health over time.

A class of anti-rejection medicines that includes sirolimus and everolimus. These medicines may be useful for some patients but need careful monitoring.

Being listed at more than one transplant center. It may be allowed, but it requires careful planning, insurance review, travel readiness, and communication with each center.

A group of professionals with different roles working together, such as doctors, nurses, social workers, pharmacists, dietitians, financial counselors, and others.

A secure online system many hospitals use for non-urgent messages, lab results, appointments, and care instructions. Urgent symptoms should be handled through the pathway your team recommends.

A commonly used anti-rejection medicine. It may appear as mycophenolate mofetil, mycophenolic acid, CellCept, or Myfortic.

Your original kidney. In most kidney transplants, the native kidneys are left in place unless there is a medical reason to remove one or both.

Surgery to remove a kidney. This may refer to removal of a living donor kidney or, less commonly, removal of a recipient's native kidney.

A doctor who specializes in kidney disease, dialysis, and kidney transplant care.

The field of medicine focused on kidney health and kidney disease.

A tiny filtering unit inside the kidney. Each kidney has many nephrons that help clean the blood and make urine.

Kidney injury caused by a medicine, substance, or exposure. Some antibiotics, pain medicines, contrast dye, supplements, and even some transplant medicines can be nephrotoxic in certain situations, so new medications should be checked with the transplant team.

A term sometimes used when the care plan is not being followed as prescribed. A more helpful approach is to identify the barrier, such as cost, side effects, confusion, transportation, or refill delays.

A living donor who donates a kidney without naming a specific recipient. This can start a donor chain and help several patients.

When a transplanted kidney never develops enough function after transplant and the recipient remains dependent on dialysis or needs further transplant planning. This is different from delayed graft function, in which the kidney may begin working after a period of dialysis.

Related information: Early Recovery

A laboratory method that detects genetic material from a virus. After transplant, NAT is used for required follow-up testing for HIV, hepatitis B, and hepatitis C within the timeframe specified by transplant policy.

An antifungal medicine sometimes used after transplant to help prevent fungal infection in the mouth. Practices vary by center.

Infections that are more likely to happen when the immune system is suppressed. After transplant, examples may include CMV, BK virus, fungal infections, and PJP. Prevention medicines, vaccines when appropriate, and early reporting of symptoms help reduce risk.

The Organ Procurement and Transplantation Network, the U.S. national system that manages transplant policy, organ matching, and waitlist operations.

The policy-based process for deciding the order in which donated organs are offered to compatible transplant candidates. The factors used differ by organ type.

Related information: Waiting for a Transplant

A call or notification that a deceased donor kidney may be available for you. An offer is not a guarantee of surgery because the kidney and recipient still need final review.

The methods used to protect a donated organ between recovery from the donor and transplantation into the recipient. Kidneys are commonly cooled in preservation solution, and shorter preservation time is generally preferred.

Related information: Transplant Surgery & Hospital Stay

The surgical recovery of organs from a donor for transplantation. Organ procurement organizations coordinate many parts of deceased donation, including donor evaluation, organ recovery, preservation, and transportation.

Related information: Waiting for a Transplant

A regional organization that coordinates deceased organ donation and works with hospitals and transplant centers.

The amount a patient may need to pay directly for care or medications. This can include deductibles, copays, coinsurance, travel, lodging, or supplies.

Medicine you can buy without a prescription. Transplant patients should check with their team before taking OTC medicines because some can harm the kidney or interact with transplant drugs.

A living donor option where two or more donor-recipient pairs swap kidneys so each recipient gets a more compatible match.

A blood test related to how many antibodies a person has against possible donors. It helps estimate how hard matching may be.

Medicare’s immunosuppressive drug benefit for certain eligible kidney transplant recipients after full ESRD-based Medicare ends. It covers eligible immunosuppressive drugs only and is not a substitute for full health insurance.

See MyChart / patient portal. A secure online tool for non-urgent communication, appointments, lab results, and instructions.

The clinician who helps manage general health needs, preventive care, chronic conditions, and non-transplant concerns.

A serious lung infection caused by Pneumocystis jirovecii. It used to be called PCP and is now often called PJP. This is not the same as a primary care provider. Many transplant patients take a prevention medicine, often TMP-SMX/Bactrim, for a period of time after transplant.

A type of home dialysis that uses the lining of the belly as a natural filter. Dialysis fluid goes in and out through a soft catheter in the abdomen.

A delay in getting medicine because of stock, insurance, refill timing, prior authorization, shipping, or pharmacy processing. Report delays early, especially for anti-rejection medicines.

A mineral that can build up when kidney function is low. Your team may monitor phosphorus because it affects bones, blood vessels, and overall mineral balance.

A treatment that removes certain antibodies from the blood. It may be used for desensitization or antibody-mediated rejection in selected patients.

An inherited condition that causes many cysts to grow in the kidneys. It can lead to kidney failure and transplant evaluation.

Diabetes or high blood sugar that develops after transplant. It can be related to medicines, risk factors, or stress on the body and needs careful management.

A rare but serious condition involving overgrowth of certain immune cells after transplant. It is sometimes linked to EBV and immune-suppression level. Your team will explain monitoring or treatment if this becomes a concern.

An electrolyte that helps nerves, muscles, and heart rhythm. Levels that are too high or too low can be dangerous.

A steroid medicine used in many transplant plans. It can help prevent or treat rejection but may cause side effects such as higher blood sugar, mood changes, weight gain, or bone thinning.

A kidney transplant done before dialysis is needed. It is not possible for everyone, but it can be an important option to discuss early.

The amount paid, usually monthly, to keep health or prescription-drug insurance coverage. A premium is separate from deductibles, copays, and coinsurance.

Related information: Practical Planning

Insurance approval that may be required before a medicine, test, admission, or procedure is covered. It can take time, so early planning matters.

Medicine or steps used to prevent a problem before it happens. After transplant, this often means medicines to prevent certain infections.

Extra protein in the urine. It can be a sign of kidney filter injury, recurrent disease, or transplant kidney stress.

A transplant assessment that looks at understanding, emotional health, substance use, past barriers to care, communication needs, housing, transportation, support, and other practical factors that may affect transplant care. Its purpose is to identify needs and supports, not to judge a person’s worth.

A hormone involved in calcium, phosphorus, and bone balance. Kidney disease can affect PTH levels, and the team may monitor it before or after transplant.

How a person is doing physically, emotionally, socially, and practically. Transplant decisions should consider quality of life as well as lab numbers and surgery risk.

A T-cell-depleting medicine used as induction therapy for some transplant recipients. It may be chosen when stronger early rejection protection is needed and requires close monitoring because it also increases immunosuppression.

An estimated glomerular filtration rate calculated without using race as a factor. U.S. transplant policy no longer permits race-inclusive eGFR calculations for kidney transplant candidates.

Related information: Evaluation

Being evaluated or placed back on the transplant waitlist after a previous transplant stops working or when another transplant may be needed.

Going back into the hospital after discharge. After transplant, readmission can feel discouraging, but it is sometimes the safest way to protect you and the kidney.

The person who receives the donated kidney.

A person being considered or listed to receive a donated organ. In formal transplant policy, candidate generally refers to a person registered on the waiting list.

Related information: Evaluation

The return of the disease that caused kidney failure in the transplanted kidney. The chance of recurrence differs by disease, and the transplant team may use the original diagnosis to plan counseling, treatment, and follow-up.

The original kidney disease returning in the transplanted kidney. Not all diseases recur, but some require special monitoring.

Symptoms that should be reported urgently or evaluated right away, based on your team's instructions. Examples may include fever, severe pain, trouble breathing, chest pain, very low urine output, or severe vomiting/diarrhea.

Checking medication supply early enough to prevent missed doses. This is especially important for anti-rejection medicines.

When the immune system injures the transplanted kidney because it recognizes it as foreign. Rejection can be mild or serious and may be found through labs, biopsy, or symptoms.

Narrowing of the artery that supplies blood to the kidney. In a transplanted kidney, it can cause high blood pressure or kidney function changes.

An imaging test that uses sound waves to look at the kidney, blood flow, fluid collections, or blockage. It does not use radiation.

A gradual, realistic plan for going back to work after transplant or donation. It should consider healing, energy, infection risk, appointments, job duties, and medical clearance.

A medicine that affects certain B cells in the immune system. In transplant, it may be used for selected antibody-related problems or other conditions.

The group that reviews transplant evaluation results and decides whether listing is safe and appropriate at that time. The committee often includes medical, surgical, nursing, social work, pharmacy, dietitian, and financial perspectives.

The written standards a transplant program uses when deciding whether a patient is suitable for placement on its waiting list. Criteria can vary by program, and patients may ask the transplant center for a copy.

Contacting a transplant program yourself to ask how to begin an evaluation instead of waiting for a clinician to send the first referral. A transplant center or insurance plan may still have additional administrative requirements.

Having antibodies that may react against donor tissue. Sensitization can make matching more difficult, but it does not automatically prevent transplant.

An infection that may spread quickly, require IV medicine, or need hospital care. Transplant patients should report fever or concerning infection symptoms early.

Blood testing that looks for antibodies or antigens that can show prior exposure, immunity, or current infection. In transplant care, serology may be used for infections such as CMV, EBV, hepatitis B, hepatitis C, and HIV and is interpreted with other tests and the clinical situation.

Related information: Evaluation

Creatinine measured in the blood. It is one of the main lab values used to follow kidney function.

A federally supported program that provides free, unbiased, one-on-one Medicare counseling. SHIP counselors can help people understand Medicare coverage, costs, enrollment, and assistance programs. The program may have a different name in some states.

An mTOR inhibitor used as an anti-rejection medicine in selected patients. It may affect wound healing, cholesterol, blood counts, and urine protein.

A team member who helps with coping, caregiver planning, transportation, work leave, disability resources, lodging, community resources, and emotional support.

A pharmacy that handles certain complex or high-cost medicines and may provide shipping, refill coordination, or insurance support. Some health plans require specific specialty pharmacies for transplant medicines, so patients should confirm where prescriptions must be filled.

Related information: Practical Planning

A medicine such as prednisone or methylprednisolone that reduces inflammation and immune activity. Steroids may be used for maintenance therapy or rejection treatment.

Care and resources that help a person remain stable and safe when substance use history or current substance concerns are part of transplant planning.

Someone who helps the patient through transplant preparation, surgery, recovery, transportation, medication routines, and communication.

A tube placed near a surgical area to remove fluid. A JP drain is one type of surgical drain.

An infection at or near the incision. Signs may include redness, warmth, swelling, drainage, fever, or increasing pain.

The two numbers in a blood pressure reading. Systolic pressure is the top number and reflects pressure when the heart beats; diastolic pressure is the bottom number and reflects pressure when the heart rests between beats.

Related information: Long-Term Life After Transplant

A type of white blood cell involved in immune defense and rejection. Many anti-rejection medicines target T-cell activity.

A type of rejection in which T cells, a kind of white blood cell, attack the transplanted kidney. It is usually diagnosed by kidney biopsy and treated based on severity and the transplant center plan.

A common anti-rejection medicine that requires blood level monitoring. It may also be called Prograf, Envarsus XR, Astagraf XL, or FK506.

Blood testing used to make sure certain medicines, such as tacrolimus or cyclosporine, are in a safe and effective range.

A blood clot. In rare cases after transplant, a clot in the kidney artery or vein can threaten the kidney and requires urgent attention.

An antibiotic combination also known as sulfamethoxazole-trimethoprim. After transplant, it is commonly used to help prevent PJP and may also help prevent some urinary and bacterial infections. Tell your team about any sulfa allergy, rash, or side effects.

Receiving donated blood or blood products. Transfusions can sometimes affect antibody status, so transplant teams usually want to know about them.

The hospital or program that evaluates, performs, and follows transplant care. Each center may have its own protocols and requirements.

A nurse or other transplant professional who helps organize education, testing, communication, waitlist steps, or post-transplant follow-up.

A kidney doctor who specializes in caring for transplant patients and managing transplant kidney function and anti-rejection medicines.

A pharmacist with transplant medication expertise. They help with medication education, interactions, side effects, dosing plans, refills, and access issues.

The organ-specific clinical program within a transplant center that evaluates candidates, performs transplants, and provides transplant-related follow-up. A transplant center may operate programs for more than one organ.

Related information: Considering Transplant

The surgeon who performs the transplant operation and manages surgical concerns such as the incision, blood vessels, ureter, drains, or fluid collections.

The group of professionals involved in transplant care. Depending on the center, it may include transplant physicians and surgeons, coordinators, nurses, pharmacists, social workers, dietitians, financial coordinators, and other specialists.

Related information: Start Here

The list of people approved to receive deceased donor kidney offers. Waitlist status can be active or inactive depending on readiness and center requirements.

Planning travel in a way that protects medication access, lab needs, infection prevention, and urgent contact with the transplant team.

A medicine blood level drawn right before the next dose is due. For medicines such as tacrolimus or cyclosporine, trough timing matters because the result helps the team decide whether the dose is too low, too high, or in the target range.

A urine test that measures albumin compared with creatinine. It helps show whether albumin is leaking into the urine.

An HLA marker that a transplant candidate’s immune system is considered likely to react against strongly enough that a donor with that marker may be considered immunologically incompatible. These antigens are used in cPRA and virtual crossmatch assessment.

Related information: Evaluation

United Network for Organ Sharing, a contractor that supports key OPTN matching-system and data functions. Other OPTN functions are now supported through a multi-vendor structure overseen by HRSA.

A buildup of waste products in the body when kidney function is very low. It can cause symptoms such as nausea, itching, fatigue, poor appetite, confusion, or a general feeling of being unwell.

The tube that carries urine from the kidney to the bladder. During transplant, the donor kidney's ureter is connected to the recipient's bladder.

A small tube placed inside the ureter during transplant to support healing and urine flow. It is usually removed later in a separate procedure.

A urine test that checks for signs such as protein, blood, infection, glucose, or other changes. It gives your team more information than a blood test alone and may help identify infection, kidney stress, or other urinary problems.

A tube placed into the bladder to drain urine. It is commonly used during and shortly after transplant surgery.

Difficulty emptying the bladder. It can affect urine flow and may need evaluation, especially after surgery.

An infection in the urinary system. After transplant, UTIs should be reported promptly because infection can spread or affect the kidney.

The amount of urine you make. After transplant, changes in urine output can be important, especially if there is a sudden decrease, new pain, swelling, fever, or rising creatinine. Follow your team’s instructions about when to call.

A urine test that estimates how much protein is in the urine. It helps monitor kidney filter stress or transplant kidney problems.

A medicine that helps the immune system prepare to fight certain infections. Transplant patients should follow their team's vaccine guidance because some vaccines are not safe after transplant.

An antiviral medicine often used to prevent or treat CMV after transplant. Dosing may depend on kidney function and blood counts.

A way to reach the bloodstream, often used for hemodialysis. Examples include an AV fistula, AV graft, or dialysis catheter.

A blood test that measures how much of a virus is present. It may be used to monitor CMV, BK, EBV, hepatitis, or other viruses depending on the situation.

A compatibility check that uses the recipient's antibody information and the donor's HLA information to predict whether a physical crossmatch is likely to be safe.

Basic body measurements such as temperature, blood pressure, pulse, breathing rate, oxygen level, and sometimes weight. After transplant, these numbers can give early safety clues.

The time counted toward priority for deceased donor kidney offers. How wait time is calculated can depend on dialysis start date, kidney function, listing rules, and transplant system policy.

See Transplant waitlist. The national registry of people approved to receive deceased donor kidney offers.

A correction to a kidney candidate’s recorded waiting time when OPTN policy allows qualifying time to be added or restored. One important example involved candidates disadvantaged by older race-inclusive eGFR calculations.

Related information: Waiting for a Transplant

The time a kidney spends warm without normal blood flow before it is cooled or after it is taken out of cold storage and before blood flow is restored. The transplant team considers this with other donor, surgery, and recipient factors.

The surgical incision or healing area after transplant or donor surgery. Watch for redness, warmth, drainage, opening, swelling, fever, or increasing pain.

When a surgical incision partially or fully opens after surgery. This needs prompt medical guidance.

Fluid coming from the incision. Some drainage can be expected early, but increasing, foul-smelling, bloody, cloudy, or pus-like drainage should be reported.

Transplanting organs, tissues, or cells from one species to another, such as animal-to-human transplant research. It is not standard kidney transplant care for most patients.

A rejection episode that happens within the first year after transplant. The first year is a high-monitoring period because medicines, infection risk, and kidney function are still stabilizing.

A very close HLA match between donor and recipient at key HLA markers. It can be favorable, but the team still considers the whole donor and recipient picture.