How do I get tested to be a donor for Jake?

Step 1 - Before you make any calls, ask yourself these questions:

1. Are you over 18 years of age?
2. Is your blood type "O"? (Either positive or negative)
3. Do you have 2 kidneys today?
4. Do you have a history of heart disease?
5. Do you have diabetes?
6. Do you have hypertension? (High blood pressure)
7. Have you ever had cancer?
8. Are you significantly overweight? (BMI > 40)

If you answered "YES" to questions 1-3, and If you answered “NO” to questions 4-8, then congratulations! You can progress to the next step.

Step 2 - Prayerfully consider this decision and discuss with your family:

We appreciate your consideration to offer one of your kidneys to Jake. This is not an easy decision to make. As a family, we want you to know that you are under no pressure to donate your kidney. This is an important decision that must be made by you. If you are serious about being tested to donate one of your kidneys to Jake, we ask that you spend time in prayer about this. We believe that God answers prayer.  Therefore we feel you should take this decision to God before you make this decision.

You are welcome to call us to discuss this if you would like.  We would be happy to share our experiences with the testing process as both Jeanie and I have been through it. We will also respect your privacy and confidentiality. 

Step 3 - Decide which transplant center to call:

Jake is enrolled in two transplant centers in order to increase his opportunity for a kidney transplant.  This means that you can you choose either transplant center to call.  The transplant center you have test your blood will most likely be the center that performs the transplant. You can pick the one that is closest to you to minimize travel expense.  Both transplant centers are of equal distance for us and we are more than willing to participate in which ever one you choose to call.  We do ask however, that you only call one center as there is no advantage to enroll in both.

University of Minnesota – Fairview Hospital   Phone: 612.625.7010

University of Wisconsin – Madison      Phone:  608.262.6238

Step 4 - Pre-Screening phone interview:

Once you place the call to the transplant center, you will talk to a nurse who is trained to perform a telephone pre-screening interview. The role of this person is to be the advocate of the person who desires to donate a kidney.  This prevents any potential conflicts of interest during the process.

During the pre-screening interview, they will ask you a series of questions about your medical history and any medications you are taking.  It is important to know this information is confidential and not shared with us. The transplant center is bound by the HIPPA regulations and cannot even share your name with us unless you give them permission. During this phone interview, the transplant coordinator will make a determination if you are eligible for further testing. They will give you further instructions on what to do next.  It is possible that they will advise you not proceed after this interview.  Though it is understandable that you will be discouraged by this, we ask that you realize that their job is to preserve your health and best interests while also seeking the best outcome for Jake.

If the transplant coordinator believes you are a good candidate for further testing, they will arrange for you to have a blood test at your local clinic.  They will ask which clinic you use and they most likely do one of two things:

1. Send a fax to your local clinic with the instructions, orders, and billing information they will need to draw your blood.
2. Send a kit directly to your home which contains the above information and even a pre-packaged set of test tubes that your local laboratory can fill.  They will give you detailed instructions on how to complete this.

Whichever option they choose, go to your local clinic and have your blood drawn.  The charges for these tests are covered by Jake’s insurance so you will not have any expense. After the transplant center receives your blood sample and performs their tests, they will give you a call and inform you directly of the results.  This process can take 10 to 21 days to be completed.

Again, remember that this information is confidential to you and the transplant center.  You are not obligated to share this information with us but you are welcome to if you choose.

If your blood shows that you are a match for Jake, the transplant coordinator will ask you to schedule a visit to their center for an evaluation by their doctors.  This will likely be a half day visit including appointments with several professionals and testing.  Bryan has gone through a portion of this testing in preparation for the Paired Donor Exchange programs.  Here are some of the appointments you can expect during your visit:

• Meeting with a transplant coordinator
• Meeting with a transplant surgeon
• Meeting with a transplant social worker
• Doctor examination
• Chest x-ray
• EKG
• CT Scan
• More blood testing
• 24 hour urine collection