If you have decided to enter to the process to be a potential donor — THANK YOU!

The first step is to complete the Health History Questionnaire found HERE.

• Name of person you are interested in donating to: Samantha Okai
• Relationship to the potential recipient: (your relationship)
• Note: While they will require you to provide your insurance information, this step is only to ensure you have health insurance. Your insurance will not be notified or billed for any related testing, surgery, or follow-ups.

A nurse at the University of Rochester will review your information with the donor team and call you back with more information, education, and the next steps.

If you are deemed a candidate for further evaluation, you will be notified and scheduled for further screening. This involves a 2-3 day process including consultations with each of the donor team members. Donors will complete lab work and additional medical testing to include a stress echo, MRI, and CT scan.

This testing is generally completed at the University of Rochester. However, if you are out of state, remote testing may be available.

A limited number of donors may be screened at the same time — if you are not being actively evaluated you may still be considered a back up. You may receive a call if the donor before you is not considered a candidate.

It is important to note that living donation is 100% voluntary. Donors may change their mind and choose to exit the process at any time, up to and including the day of surgery.

All medical costs associated with living donation are covered through either the Liver Acquisition Fund or the recipient’s insurance. Housing, travel, and other financial assistance may be available to donors through the University of Rochester. The Hunt Family will cover ANY related travel, lodging, meal, etc. costs for anyone in the screening or donation process.

Lifestyle changes for those considering donation:

• Reduce or suspend alcohol consumption. Generally donors are asked to discontinue any alcohol consumption ~3 months prior to surgery, and for up to one year following donation.
  
• Discontinue smoking (minimum 6 weeks prior to donation)
  
• Discontinue recreational drug use. While past or current drug use is not a barrier to donation, the team will require testing to ensure no substance dependencies for the donor’s health.
  
• Maintain physical health. As with any surgery, the healthier and stronger you are going into it, the better your body can recover after it!