Tests During Your Child's Pre-Kidney Transplant Exam

At your child's pre-kidney transplant exam, he or she will need many tests.

These tests will let the transplant team learn about your child's:

• Basic health
• Blood and tissue types
• Immune system
• Renal system

Your child's testing may differ from others since each child's medical history is unique.

Some tests your child may need — and why — include:

A physical exam

Your transplant team will thoroughly assess your child's health, checking them from head to toe.

Pre-kidney transplant blood tests

We take blood for many reasons.

Blood tests help us:

• Assess your child's overall health.
• Learn his or her blood type.
• Find any infections or other health issues.
• Reveal antibodies in your child's immune system. The immune system affects how the body accepts or rejects a transplanted organ.

Imaging tests

Many children with kidney disease have other health issues that are causing the kidneys to fail.

Your child may need imaging tests such as ultrasounds and x-rays.

Imaging tests check inside the body for any other conditions the transplant team should be aware of. They can also find good blood vessels where the surgeon can attach your child's transplanted kidney.

Pre-transplant psychosocial exam

Preparing for a kidney transplant is a stressful time for you and your child.

Our team will make sure you're both ready for the challenges the transplant journey can bring.

After your pre-kidney transplant visit, your child will have more tests as needed until the surgery.

Learn More About Kidney Transplant Tests

From our health library

• Tissue Type Test

From outside sources

• Blood Tests for Transplant, National Kidney Foundation

Contact the Kidney Transplant Program at UPMC Children's

If you have questions, concerns, or unexpected needs about your child's kidney transplant, contact our team at 412-692-5182.