If you are interested in getting a transplant, we offer two options at St Michael’s Hospital.
There are two types of kidney transplant:
- Transplant from a deceased donor (someone who has died)
2. Transplant form a living donor (often a friend or family member who donates on of their kidneys)
Deceased donor kidney transplant options:
- The provincial waiting list, managed by Trillium Gift of Life Network (TGLN)
- The Highly Sensitized Patient program, a national registry for patients with high antibody levels who are difficult to match
- The Extended Criteria Donor list, which reduces the waiting time for eligible older patients
Living donor kidney transplant options:
- Direct donation between compatible pairs, including donors from out-of-country
- Direct donation between blood-group incompatible donor-recipient pairs by desensitization using Glycosorb® technology (the first in North America)
- The Kidney Paired Donation (KPD) Program, which works to match donors and recipients across Canada
- The List Exchange Program
Answers to Common Questions
What are the steps involved in the transplant evaluation process?
Our team carefully evaluates each patient for transplant suitability. The following outlines the steps we take from when you are referred to when the decision is made if it is safe for you to have a transplant or donate.
Your kidney care team must refer you to our clinic. They will arrange for you to do a number of tests, usually at your local centre. These are the same tests for everyone who is being referred to a kidney transplant centre.
When we receive all of your tests, our team will review the results. Our transplant nephrologist will ask for some more specific tests to complete. Some of the tests can only be done at St. Michael’s Hospital. You will also attend a Learn about Transplant class and receive a Transplant Passport so that you can follow along with all the required tests and important dates.
What to expect if I have a living donor?
This resource describes the transplant process if you have a living donor.
How do we match transplant kidneys to recipients?
Your transplant work-up is a complex process. In this video Dr. Darren Yuen reviews how the process works in Canada.
How long will I wait for a transplant?
The wait time for deceased donor kidney transplants is managed through the Trillium Gift of Life Network. The resource below provides more information on factors that impact wait times.
This resource by St Michael’s Hospital discusses how to stay healthy and prepared when waiting for a transplant and how transplant wait times are determined.
What can I expect when I get a call for transplant?
This resource includes things to consider to prepare before your transplant as well as what to expect when you get a call for transplant.
How long does a kidney transplant last?
Each patient’s kidney transplant journey is unique. Our kidney transplants last as long or longer than at transplant centres across North America.
How are transplant medications covered?
Transplant medications cost several thousand dollars per month, but there are many ways that your transplant medications can be covered. It is important to have your drug coverage set up before transplant. Transplant medications are almost always covered under private or public drug plans, but they may not cover all of the cost. Our social worker will ask about your medication coverage options during the transplant work-up.
Drug plans which cover 100% of transplant medications:
- ODB seniors (≥65 years old)
- ODSP
- Ontario Works
- OHIP+ (<25 years old without private insurance)
- Non-Insured (NIHB)
- Private drug plans without deductibles, copayments, or maximums
Drug plans which cover a portion of transplant medications:
- Trillium Drug Benefit (covers 100% after deductible is reached, anyone can enroll)
- Private plans with copayments
- Private plans with deductibles
- Private plans with maximums
If you are covered by a drug plan that covers only a portion of transplant medications, the transplant team can help you get financial assistance from a Patient Support Program.
Sometimes, transplant medications are covered under a private plan but need authorization first by the insurance company. In this case, the transplant team will help you submit the extra paperwork.
If you do not have any drug coverage before transplant, you will need to apply to the Trillium Drug Program. You will need to pay a deductible every year, based on your tax return from the previous year (this is usually about 4% of your family’s income). You should apply for this while you’re waiting for transplant, and keep it up-to-date so that you have it when you have a transplant. The Trillium Drug Program will pay the rest of your costs, after this deductible.
How can I learn more?
Below are some resources to help you prepare for transplant:
- My transplant passport
- Introduction to kidney transplant
- Waiting for your kidney transplant
- What to expect when you have kidney transplant surgery
- National living kidney paired donation program
- Learn about blood group incompatible ABOi kidney transplants
- Exceptional Distribution Kidneys – What you should know
- Kidney transplant list exchange program
- What can I expect if I have a living donor?
- My potential donor lives outside Canada what should I do next
- Drug coverage and finances