The primary goal in a kidney transplant preparation process is to ensure that the planned surgery does not cause any harm or negative outcomes for either the recipient or the donor. The aim is to have two healthy individuals following the operation. If it is determined that even one of the individuals could be adversely affected by the surgery, the entire preparation process is halted immediately.

When a person decides to donate a kidney, comprehensive evaluations are conducted to confirm that living with a single kidney will not create health problems for the donor. Similarly, the recipient undergoes detailed medical assessments to determine suitability for the transplant and to identify any conditions that might pose postoperative risks. The goal of these evaluations is to detect and, if possible, prevent potential complications — or, if necessary, cancel the surgery and inform the patient in detail when contraindications are identified.

Required Examinations for Recipient and Donor

The following examinations and tests are performed for both the recipient and the donor before the transplantation procedure:

1. Physical Examination: Comprehensive medical evaluation by a physician to assess general health and detect any contraindications for surgery.
2. Detailed Blood and Urine Tests: Evaluation of all major system functions including:
   • Blood group determination
   • Complete blood count and biochemistry
   • Coagulation profile
   • Hepatitis markers, EBV and CMV IgM/IgG
   • TSH, PTH, HbA1c, B-HCG, PSA
   • Urine test and 24-hour urine protein, albumin, and creatinine clearance
3. Microbiological Examinations: Urine culture, and when necessary, catheter or blood cultures to detect infectious agents.
4. Immunological Examinations: Tests to assess compatibility and immune response such as:
   • Tissue typing (HLA typing)
   • Lymphocyte cross-match
   • Panel Reactive Antibody (PRA)
   • Single Antigen Test (SAB)
   • Donor Specific Antibody (DSA) screening
5. Radiological Examinations:
   • Chest X-ray
   • Whole abdomen ultrasonography (USG)
   • Pelvic Doppler USG for the recipient
   • Renal CT angiography for the donor
6. Consultations from Other Specialties: Evaluations by specialists as needed, including:
   • Cardiology
   • Pulmonology
   • Psychiatry
   • Gynecology and Obstetrics
   • Urology
7. Additional Tests (if required):
   • Electrocardiography (ECG) and Echocardiography
   • Pulmonary function tests
   • Mammography and breast USG
   • Thyroid USG
   • Voiding cystourethrography
   • Endoscopy for gastrointestinal evaluation

All these assessments ensure that the transplant procedure proceeds safely for both donor and recipient, minimizing risk and optimizing long-term outcomes.