Better Health Channel
betterhealth.vic.gov.au Department of Health
betterhealth.vic.gov.au Department of Health
  • A kidney transplant can offer people with kidney failure a longer and more active life.
  • Kidneys are often donated after death, but more people are choosing to donate one of their two kidneys while still alive (living kidney donation).
  • People who choose to donate after death must first be declared dead according to strict guidelines.
  • A donated kidney from a living person is likely to remain healthy for longer than one from a donor who is dead, but there is some risk to the donor.
  • Donating a kidney while you are alive is not likely to cause any health problems unless your remaining kidney becomes injured or diseased.

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Content on this website is provided for information purposes only. Information about a therapy, service, product or treatment does not in any way endorse or support such therapy, service, product or treatment and is not intended to replace advice from your doctor or other registered health professional. The information and materials contained on this website are not intended to constitute a comprehensive guide concerning all aspects of the therapy, product or treatment described on the website. All users are urged to always seek advice from a registered health care professional for diagnosis and answers to their medical questions and to ascertain whether the particular therapy, service, product or treatment described on the website is suitable in their circumstances. The State of Victoria and the Department of Health shall not bear any liability for reliance by any user on the materials contained on this website.

Reviewed on: 10-01-2023