Tests Before Kidney Transplantation
In related donors the chance of the same tissue type is much higher than in the case of unrelated donor or cadaver donor. The aim of tissue matching is to try and match a donor kidney (related or cadaver) as closely to your tissue type as possible. A good match gives the best results in the long term for the kidney to function without getting rejected.
The Cross Match Test
The above two tests are followed by cross matching test. Even when the blood group and the tissue type of a donor and the recipient are found to be compatible, there are other factors that determine the outcome of the surgery and the possibility of rejection. So a final test is done before proceeding with the transplant operation. A test called as the cross match test is done before the transplantation to screen for these factors. This is done by mixing the donor and recipient blood cells together. If the cells attack one another, the transplant would not work. In this case, the cross match test is said to be positive and the transplantation should not occur. Most reaction occur as a result of these attacking cells called “antibodies”. It is normal to cross match two or three people when a cadaver (brain dead) donor becomes available. This is the reason why more than one patient may be called for an operation. The best-matched patient with a ‘Negative Cross Match Test’ is usually given the kidney.
