Living Donor vs the Kidney Waitlist
You can be on the deceased-donor waitlist and still look for a living donor. One does not replace the other.
The waitlist is your transplant center's job
Listing and organ offers stay at an accredited program. That list does not privately search for a living donor. If you need a living kidney donor, you need matching here while you stay listed.
What a living donor changes
A living donor can be evaluated while you wait. If a center clears them, surgery can be scheduled instead of waiting for a deceased-donor offer. That is often faster. It is never a payment for an organ.
What matching here actually does
For kidney (and liver), we privately compare new donor signups to your organ and blood type. Compatible people show up on your dashboard while your plan is active. Testing, consent, and surgery still happen at your program. Heart, lung, pancreas, marrow/stem cell, and Other do not use this matching queue.
Next: Start matching · How to find a living kidney donor
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This is general information, not medical advice. Confirm listing status and timing with your transplant team.