Why do I need to have pre-transplant evaluation tests?
Your pre-transplant evaluation includes a variety of medical tests that provide complete information about your overall health. The medical tests help the Lung Transplant Team identify any potential problems before the transplant surgery and avoid potential complications after the surgery.
Although each patient does not have the same tests, most of the tests included in this handout are common for all lung transplant patients. The tests required before the transplant are usually done on an outpatient basis and can be performed at your referring physician’s office or at Cleveland Clinic. Your transplant coordinator will help arrange these tests for you. Please ask your transplant coordinator any questions you have about the tests you will need.
If special instructions are required before any of these tests, you will receive a written form that explains what to do before the tests.
During your pre-transplant evaluation appointment, the Lung Transplant Team will decide if you will need any additional tests after your appointment. Additional tests can be performed at Cleveland Clinic or in your home community. Your transplant coordinator will help you make these arrangements
What happens after my pre-transplant evaluation?
At the end of your pre-transplant evaluation and after the test results are complete, the Lung Transplant Team will meet to jointly discuss whether or not a lung transplant is the appropriate treatment for you. The transplant coordinator will then notify you of the Team’s decision.
Please understand that abnormal test results may require further investigation. The goal of pre-transplant testing is to ensure that you will be able to undergo the transplant surgery and recover without any significant risk of complications.
If you are approved and are going to be placed on the organ waiting list, the transplant coordinator will tell you what you need to do while you wait for your transplant.
For More Information
If you have any questions or concerns, please call us at 216.444.8282. We will be happy to answer your questions.