Anyone with kidney function (Glomerular Filtration Rate-GFR) below 20 can be eligible to be on the transplant waitlist and gain time. The best time to start an evaluation is when GFR is between 25 and 30. It is best to consider all options before reaching end stage kidney failure (https://unos.org/wp-content/uploads/Brochure-117-Kidney-eval.pdf)
The wait time for a kidney transplant can be substantially long and varies from 3-7 years depending on the region, blood type and some other factors such as antibody levels to potential donors.
The wait time on the list is the biggest determining factor in receiving a kidney transplant.
Gaining time on the waitlist is like an insurance policy.
In the future, if kidney function starts to deteriorate and patients face various treatment options, time on the waitlist can help reduce, or even avoid dialysis. It would allow a transplant to occur sooner, and at a relatively younger and healthier state.
Patients with kidney disease receiving a preemptive kidney transplant have the best longevity of life. They have the best transplant outcome of all available options including a lower risk of rejection, and they have the best quality of life
Also, shorter the dialysis time, better the life expectancy and transplant outcome.
