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Who Cannot Donate Liver?

Published in Organ Donation 1 min read

Individuals with liver disease, including hepatitis, or diabetes (or a strong family history of the disease) are generally ineligible to donate a liver.

Here's a breakdown of the reasons why certain conditions preclude liver donation:

  • Liver Disease: Donating a liver that is already diseased, damaged, or infected is not possible because the recipient requires a healthy, functional organ. This includes conditions like:

    • Hepatitis (various forms)
    • Cirrhosis
    • Liver cancer
  • Diabetes (or strong family history): Diabetes can negatively impact liver health and increase the risk of complications for both the donor and the recipient. A strong family history suggests a higher likelihood of developing diabetes in the future, potentially affecting the long-term health of the donated liver.

  • Other Medical Conditions: Beyond liver disease and diabetes, other factors can disqualify a potential liver donor. These include:

    • Active infections
    • Severe heart or lung disease
    • Active cancer (excluding certain brain tumors)
    • Substance abuse
    • HIV

It's important to note that transplant centers conduct thorough evaluations of potential donors to determine their suitability. This evaluation involves extensive medical testing and a review of the individual's medical history to ensure the safety of both the donor and the recipient.