Living Liver Donor Myths and Realities

Reality: You do not need to have a blood relationship to someone to receive a liver transplant from them.

Reality: A living liver donor needs to have a compatible blood type, but not necessarily an identical blood type. Which blood types are compatible is dependent on the recipient’s blood type. In addition, anyone can receive a liver from a blood group O donor.

Reality: While living liver donor evaluations need to be performed at BIDMC, out of town donors will be considered. Given the donor’s need to travel, an expedited donor evaluation can be arranged. The surgery is performed at BIDMC and the donor is asked to stay locally for at least two weeks after discharge.

Reality: Living donors require medications for the first several weeks after donation surgery. This is only a temporary need.

Reality: After recovery, donors live a normal life without limitations on their activity.

Reality: Female donors are able to have healthy pregnancies after donation. It is recommended that pregnancy be postponed for 1 year after donation.

Reality: Donors are free to change their mind about donation at any time during the evaluation process. Donors will not be responsible for letting the recipient know if they choose not to donate.

Reality: The recipient’s insurance policy is responsible for expenses related to the donor evaluation, hospital care and related follow up care.

Reality: The donor evaluation process is confidential. Only the donor can share information with the recipient. The Donor Team is not able to speak directly to the recipient.

Reality: Anyone interested in considering living donation is encouraged to call the donor coordinator to learn about the donation process and complete a health history. The Donor Team will review all donor candidates to determine who is best suited to complete the donor evaluation.