Many factors are considered when a kidney becomes available. Candidates are matched to kidneys based on factors that include blood group (A,B,O. AB), tissue type (there are approximately 150 different types), length of time on the waiting list and medical condition.

When a kidney becomes available, transplant centers first try and find a match locally. If a match is not found locally, then a suitable recipient will be looked for regionally, and then nationally. The final decision about offering a kidney to a patient is made by the transplant surgeon and nephrologist. And of course, the patient has to agree to the operation.