Not everyone can donate their kidney. To become a kidney donor, there are several medical and legal requirements that must be met, such as not suffering from certain diseases, and agreeing to legal rules and medical approvals (informed consent) related to kidney donor procedures. To find out more details, see the following explanation.
A person suffering from end-stage renal failure must do continuous dialysis, because his kidney function is no longer able to work properly. Dialysis in patients with advanced kidney failure needs to be done for life.
The only treatment method that can relieve the dependence of patients with end-stage renal failure on dialysis is kidney transplantation. For a kidney transplant to be possible, it takes someone who is willing to give one of their kidneys. However, not everyone can become a kidney donor.
Medical Requirements for Kidney Donors
Some of the general criteria for becoming a kidney donor are:
- Have a good physical and mental health condition.
- Have the same blood group as the recipient.
- Not suffering from kidney disease, such as kidney stones or kidney failure.
- Do not suffer from infectious diseases, such as HIV/AIDS or
- Not suffering from cancer, lung disease, heart disease, high blood pressure, diabetes, electrolyte disorders, and blood clotting disorders.
- Do not smoke.
- Do not use illegal drugs or alcohol.
- Ideal body weight (body mass index less than 23).
The doctor will confirm the above criteria through a series of examinations, namely a physical examination and supporting tests. After the medical conditions are met and the prospective donor has been declared able to donate his kidney, the prospective donor must complete the next requirement, namely administrative requirements.
Condition Athe administrative Hcurrent Dfulfill
Based on the Regulation of the Minister of Health of the Republic of Indonesia No. 38 of 2016, the administrative requirements for donating organs are:
- Submit a health certificate from a doctor who has a SIP (practice permit).
- 18 years of age or older (must be proven by ID card, family card, or birth certificate).
- Make a written statement about the donor's willingness to donate their organs voluntarily without asking for anything in return.
- Have a reason to donate their organs to organ recipients voluntarily.
- Obtain approval from husband/wife, adult children, biological parents, or sibling of the donor.
- Make a statement that the donor understands the indications, contraindications, risks, transplant procedures, post-transplant life guidelines, and statement of consent.
- Make a statement not to sell organs or other special agreements with organ recipients.
For donors who donate their kidneys to relatives or people who are related by blood, donors and recipients of organs must have a blood relationship certificate from a local government official.
If all the conditions are met, a kidney transplant can be done by a urologist. The doctor will explain what needs to be prepared before the transplant process takes place and how the transplant procedure is carried out. After that, the doctor will determine the steps of care for the donor and recipient of the kidney after the transplant is done.