The Iowa Methodist Transplant Center recently received the news that it is leading the nation in living kidney donor follow-ups.

Living donor follow-up is required by United Network for Organ Sharing (UNOS) at six months, one year and two years post-donation. Follow-ups consist of checking kidney function and urinalysis. Hemoglobin and hematocrit are also checked to ensure all labs are stable. From initial contact with living donors, the transplant team begins educating them about the follow-up process and stressing its importance. Transplant coordinators communicate regularly with living donors to ensure they are completing the follow-up process.

"Living donors are healthy, choosing to have major surgery for no other reason than to help someone else in need," said Dr. Qasim Chaudhry, Medical Director of the Iowa Methodist Transplant Center. "We are dedicated to keeping our patients safe and healthy prior to donation and after donation. It is our responsibility to ensure our patients have a pleasant and safe experience throughout the process."