How to Qualify for a Liver Transplant

The liver is vital to sustaining life. As liver disease and damage progresses, your liver's ability to heal itself is halted and permanent damage can ultimately lead to liver failure. A liver transplant is the best option for patients who would most likely die from liver failure. This surgical procedure removes your diseased liver and replaces it with a healthy, donated liver. Since there are more people who need a liver than available donors, the medical community has established a set of criteria that must be met in order to get on the national transplant waiting list.

Things You'll Need

• Liver disease
• Medical doctor
• Telephone
• Transportation

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Instructions

Getting on the National Waiting List

• 1

  Talk to your doctor. Your doctor is the person who will ultimately make the decision that you need a liver transplant. The first step to be placed on the national waiting list is a referral from your physician.

• 2

  Get in touch with a liver transplant hospital. There are more than 200 transplant hospitals in America. Choose the one that most closely meets your needs (such as insurance acceptance, finances, location and availability of support groups).

• 3

  Schedule an evaluation with the transplant team at your hospital. You will meet with a team of liver specialists, transplant surgeon(s) and nurses who will arrange tests such as blood tests and X-rays to determine if you are a good candidate for transplant surgery. The team may evaluate your other organs, immune system and mental health to ensure that you are strong enough to undergo the surgery. If all goes well, the transplant team will add you to the waiting list. When a liver is available, you will be notified.