Steps to Get Listed
- Speak with your doctor or specialist.
- Get referred to a transplant center.
- Complete a full medical evaluation.
- If approved, your transplant team will add you to the national waiting list.
Official Transplant System (All Major Organs)
In the United States, organ transplants are managed through a national system.
- Learn how the transplant waitlist works: unos.org/transplant
- Find a transplant center near you: srtr.hrsa.gov/transplant-center-search
Bone Marrow / Stem Cell Transplant
Bone marrow transplants use a different system than organ transplants. To join a donor registry or find a match:
Important Information
- You must be evaluated by a transplant center before being listed.
- Matching depends on blood type, medical condition, and urgency.
- Wait times vary from weeks to years depending on the organ.
Choose a Transplant Guide
Each organ has its own waitlist process, wait time, and recovery path. Read the dedicated guide for your transplant type:
Kidney Transplant
Waitlist guide
Liver Transplant
Waitlist guide
Bone Marrow Transplant
Waitlist guide
Heart Transplant
Waitlist guide
Lung Transplant
Waitlist guide
Pancreas Transplant
Waitlist guide
Intestinal Transplant
Waitlist guide
Treating a blood cancer? Read the Cancer & Transplant Guide.
Disclaimer
This information is for educational purposes only and is not medical advice. Always speak with your doctor or a transplant specialist for guidance.
Official Government (.gov) Resources
Important: Please Read
Government websites have strong security that sometimes blocks visitors who click a link from another website. If a link below doesn't open, tap Copy Link, open a new browser tab, and paste the address into the address bar at the top. The page should then open normally.
Organ Donation & Transplant Waitlist
OrganDonor.gov (HRSA)
Official U.S. government site for organ donation facts and statistics.
https://www.organdonor.gov/
Register as an Organ Donor (HRSA)
Sign up as an organ, eye, and tissue donor in your state.
https://www.organdonor.gov/sign-up
OPTN — Organ Procurement & Transplantation Network
The national system that runs organ matching and waitlist policies.
https://optn.transplant.hrsa.gov/
SRTR — Find a Transplant Center
Compare transplant centers, wait times, and results.
https://srtr.hrsa.gov/transplant-center-search/
Food Safety & Infection Prevention
FoodSafety.gov
Food recalls, safe cooking temperatures, and kitchen tips.
https://www.foodsafety.gov/
USDA Food Safety Guide for Transplant Recipients (PDF)
Free government booklet on safe eating for people with weak immune systems.
https://www.fsis.usda.gov/sites/default/files/media_file/2021-04/at-risk-booklet.pdf
CDC Clean Hands
Official handwashing guidance to prevent infections.
https://www.cdc.gov/clean-hands/
Disability, Insurance & Money Help
Social Security Disability (SSDI)
Monthly income if you can't work because of your illness.
https://www.ssa.gov/benefits/disability/
Supplemental Security Income (SSI)
Income support for people with low income and disabilities.
https://www.ssa.gov/ssi
SSI for Children
Payments for families of children with serious medical conditions.
https://www.ssa.gov/ssi/text-child-ussi.htm
Medicaid Eligibility
Free or low-cost health coverage for qualifying people.
https://www.medicaid.gov/medicaid/eligibility/index.html
Insure Kids Now (CHIP)
Health insurance for children and teens.
https://www.insurekidsnow.gov/
SNAP Food Assistance
Monthly help buying groceries.
https://www.fns.usda.gov/snap/recipient/eligibility
FMLA Job-Protected Leave
Up to 12 weeks of protected leave for patients and family caregivers.
https://www.dol.gov/agencies/whd/fmla