Full Medical Evaluation
Following the initial contact, the transplant coordinator will get in touch with you to discuss the results of the blood tests.  If your blood type, HLA and antibodies are compatible with your chosen donor then an appointment will be made for a full medical evaluation.  The tests used to conduct your evaluation are:

• An ECG (electrocardiogram)
• A blood test to determine glucose tolerance (a screen for diabetes)
• A blood test for hepatitis
• A blood test for Cytomegalovirus (CMV) (a common virus that is part of the herpes family)
• A blood test for Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) (also known as ‘glandular fever’)
• HIV & Syphilis testing

All of the tests are followed by an interview about your general health with a medical doctor.

My Story
The transplant coordinator from Leicester General Hospital called me a month after our initial contact to let me know that my blood type, HLA and antibodies were compatible with my half-sister.  A convenient date was then arranged for me to attend the first round of tests.

I arrived at the hospital at 9am ready for the tests to be conducted.  I met with the transplant coordinator on Ward 17 and she passed on to me all the paperwork that I would need for this half-day appointment.

The first test carried out was the ECG, which is completely painless.  I was asked to lie down, a clip was placed on my finger and pads were stuck to my chest, arms and legs.  These were hooked up to the ECG machine that monitored my heart’s electrical activity.  A print out of my results was given to me to take back to the transplant coordinator.

As advised, I had not eaten since the night before in readiness for the glucose tolerance test and so immediately after the ECG I headed for the blood test clinic.  One cannula and five vials of blood later and I was ready to return to Ward 17.  There I met with a medical doctor who asked about any previous operations and conditions that I may have had.  She conducted a physical that included measuring my weight, height and blood pressure.

Advice
This medical evaluation is an easy step physically, but it can be demanding emotionally.  After all, it is at this stage of the process that the tests may begin to highlight conditions you may not know you have.  For example, as a result of the ECG problems with your heart may come to light or you may discover you have one of the viruses listed above.  However, the good news is that if you do discover any medical problems you can begin to get them treated.