How to Screen for a Liver Transplant

by Contributing Writer

Overview

Screening for a liver transplant involves a number of assessments. It will require a number of specialists as part of the transplant team and will last a number of weeks. Throughout the transplant process, you will have a transplant coordinator who will provide you with information and will be your advocate during this time.

Step 1

Meet with a transplant surgeon and your support person for your assessment. Your surgeon will discuss your medical condition with you and explain your surgical options. A physical exam will be performed.
Step 2

Meet with a transplant hepatologist and your support person. Your medical condition will be discussed, a physical exam performed and blood tests will be taken.
Step 3

Meet with a dietitian and your support person. You will review what you normally eat and be counseled on how to improve your diet before the transplant.
Step 4

Make an appointment with your dentist. You will take with you a letter from your transplant coordinator, and your dentist will record all findings during the examination and fax a copy to the coordinator.
Step 5

Make an appointment for a tuberculosis test. You will need to provide the health facility a letter from your coordinator, and the results of your TB test will be recorded. Get all your vaccines updated, plus a vaccination for hepatitis A and hepatitis B. Take scheduled tests including a ultrasound of your liver, bone density scan, chest X-ray, urine tests, blood tests, electrocardiogram and drug and alcohol assessments.

5
Liver availability is not guaranteed. While waiting for a liver transplant, follow your surgeon's recommendations.
Liver availability is not guaranteed. While waiting for a liver transplant, follow your surgeon's recommendations.
Discuss the complications and risk factors of liver transplants with your surgeon.
Discuss the complications and risk factors of liver transplants with your surgeon.