Liver Transplantation Evaluation
Once your physician has identified you as a possible
transplant candidate, you'll undergo an extensive
evaluation that will help determine if transplantation
is right for you. The information provided here
reflects the evaluation process in the University
of Pennsylvania Health System's Liver Transplant
Program. Practices elsewhere may vary.
Transplant evaluation is usually completed in
a one-day outpatient visit, although often some
additional consults or testing are required at
a different time. The evaluation day will include:
- Discussions and education about the liver
transplant process with nurse coordinator, social
worker and financial coordinator
- A thorough examination by the transplant team
of surgeons and transplant hepatologists
- In most cases, an examination by a cardiologist
Many tests and studies are necessary for the
patient undergoing liver transplant evaluation.
Laboratory tests assess the patient's liver function,
blood coagulation (clotting), and can detect infection.
Tests are also performed to evaluate the patient's
overall physical condition and detect any functional
problems of the kidneys, blood, or lungs. The
patient's referring physician can order many of
these studies, but some may need to be performed
at our facilities.
Studies required for liver transplant evaluation
include:
- A series of tests, including blood testing,
routine chest x-ray, pulmonary (lung) function
tests, a skin test for tuberculosis, and an
EKG
- An abdominal ultrasound
Download a full list of the studies
required for liver transplant evaluation
to take to your doctor. (Requires free
Adobe Acrobat Reader)
Depending on the patient's age and medical history,
other specialist appointments are also scheduled.
The team will determine if more testing is necessary.
Within a week of the liver transplant evaluation,
the entire transplant team will meet to determine
if a transplant is in the patient's best interest.
If so, the patient's name will be placed on the
waiting lists maintained by the United
Network for Organ Sharing (UNOS).
Revised by Kim
Olthoff, MD
Last updated February 2006
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