Live Liver Donation Requirements

The specialists at Lahey Hospital & Medical Center can help you understand the requirements for live liver donation [link to Transplantation > Live Donor Liver Transplant page].

Living donation is a voluntary process. Donors must have a compatible blood type and liver anatomy that is suitable for donation. Potential liver donors must not have any serious medical conditions, such as liver disease, diabetes, heart disease or cancer.

To become a live liver donor, you must:

  • Be a willing adult between age 18 and 60
  • Be prepared to commit to the pre-donation evaluation process, surgery and recovery
  • Be in good health and psychological condition
  • Have a compatible blood type (see below)
  • Have healthy liver and kidney function
  • Be a healthy weight (BMI less than 32)
  • Be willing to abstain from alcohol until fully recovered

Compatible blood types

Recipient Donor
O O
A O, A
B O, B
AB O, A, B, AB

BMI Calculator

You cannot be a liver donor if you:

  • Are under age 18 or over age 60
  • Suffer from heart disease or lung disease
  • Have an incompatible blood type
  • Have HIV or hepatitis
  • Are an active substance abuser
  • Have an uncontrolled psychiatric illness

Live Donor Liver Transplant Evaluation

As part of the live donor evaluation process, you will meet with all members of our live donor team. In addition, several tests are required to determine if you are fit for major surgery and if your liver is suitable for live donation. Completing the entire donor evaluation may take up to two weeks.

The tests for a potential liver donor include:

  • Blood tests
  • Chest X-ray
  • CT scan
  • Electrocardiogram (EKG)
  • Physical exam
  • Tissue matching