Being selected as a good transplant candidate is based on a thorough review of the child’s: - Current health condition
- Past medical history
- Psychosocial history
- Lab results
- Medical testing
- Financial status
Before being given an “Active Status” on the United Network for Organ Sharing (UNOS) list, children will undergo an extensive medical examination of body systems and corresponding tests to determine their ability to have a transplant. Tests include: - Blood work, including blood typing
- Urine testing, including a 24-hour collection for kidney function
- EKG – electrocardiogram to assess heart condition
- Ultrasound of the abdomen to look a liver and blood vessels that connect to the liver
- Skin tuberculosis test (TB)
- Other types of x-rays, such as CT scans, MRI, heart and lung tests
- Possible liver biopsy
Children are not good transplant candidates if they have: - Malignancy within two years (other than skin and certain renal tumors)
- Severe cardiovascular or pulmonary disease
- A positive HIV test
- Active infection
- BMI > 40
- Active alcohol or substance abuse
- Sickle cell disease
- Unstable psychiatric disorder
- Moderate to severe social deprivation
- Absence of funding for any part of the transplant process
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