Before you can be considered a candidate for liver transplantation, a thorough evaluation of your physical and emotional status must be completed. Our schedulers will arrange this for you. The purpose of this evaluation is to determine the medical condition of your liver and whether liver transplantation is the best treatment option for you. During the evaluation, you and your family members may have many questions about liver transplants and what to expect. We will have various members of the liver transplant team available to answer all of your questions.
Liver Transplant
Program
Becoming a Patient
Liver Transplant Evaluation
Pre-Liver Transplant Testing
Testing begins with a complete medical history and physical exam. We will draw blood to determine your blood type and how well your organs are working. Many different tests will be done during the evaluation to determine the condition of your liver and if there are other physical problems, such as with your heart, kidneys or lungs, which might rule out liver transplant. The following tests and procedures may be done:
- Chest X-ray
- Electrocardiogram (EKG)
- CT or MRI scan
- Doppler ultrasound – looks at blood flow through the vessels to your liver
- Dobutamine stress echocardiogram or "stress test" – looks at blood flow through the heart and the valves of your heart
- Endoscopy/Colonoscopy – a tube is inserted through your mouth into your stomach to look for bleeding or into your colon to assess for bleeding or cancer potential
- Pulmonary function tests – special breathing tests to check your lungs
Upon completion of the evaluation, your individual case will be discussed by team members of the Liver Transplant Selection Committee. The liver transplant team will then determine if liver transplantation is the best treatment option for you. If this is the case, liver transplantation will be discussed with you in more detail.
