Patients referred to MUSC for a heart transplant will be admitted to the hospital for a few days to have certain tests or be scheduled as an outpatient in the clinic for tests.  These tests usually take three days to complete and are designed to determine:

• If a new heart is needed
• If any other illness, infection or problem is present that could make transplant surgery too risky
• If the patient is physically and emotionally strong enough to undergo a transplant.

Tests include:

• Blood tests to check kidneys, liver and immune system function
• X-rays
• Cardiac catheterization to check heart pressure
• MUGA scan to show the function of the left and right sides of the heart
• Echocardiogram – an ultrasound of the heart
• EKG to check heart rhythm
• Lung function test to determine how well the lungs are working
• Exercise stress treadmill test
• Abdominal ultrasound
• Bone density test to check for osteoporosis
• 24-hour urine collection to determine kidney function
• Other scans, such as MRI or CT scan
• Women will have a gynecological exam, pap smear and possibly a mammogram.

Patients are also evaluated by other specialists to determine if a transplant is the right treatment.  Those who smoke or drink alcohol must quit at least three months before an evaluation.