What is an organ transplant evaluation and who is it for?
An organ transplant evaluation is a structured medical assessment that determines whether a patient is a suitable candidate for a kidney, liver, or other organ transplant. For international patients travelling to Mumbai, this workup typically spans several days and involves specialist consultations, laboratory tests, and imaging. Lilavati International in Bandra West, Mumbai, offers comprehensive transplant evaluation services for international patients under its multi-specialty quaternary-care programme, supported by JCI and NABH accreditation.
Families travelling from countries such as Oman, Mauritius, or elsewhere should understand that the evaluation is not a single appointment — it is a coordinated clinical process designed to confirm transplant eligibility, identify risks, and prepare both the patient and the potential donor before any surgery is scheduled.
Tip: No appointment is required for emergency care at Lilavati International. For planned transplant evaluations, contact the international patient-care team in advance to coordinate your workup schedule.
What tests are done during an organ transplant evaluation in Mumbai?
The pre-transplant workup at a Mumbai hospital covers multiple organ systems to assess the patient's overall fitness and the viability of the planned transplant. Tests are ordered by a multidisciplinary team that typically includes nephrologists, hepatologists, cardiologists, and anaesthesiologists.
- Blood tests: Complete blood count, renal and liver function panels, coagulation profile, blood group and crossmatch, viral serology (HIV, hepatitis B and C, CMV, EBV)
- Imaging: CT scan, MRI, and ultrasound of the abdomen and relevant organ systems — all available round-the-clock at Lilavati International
- Cardiac assessment: ECG, echocardiogram, and stress testing where indicated, reviewed by the cardiology team
- Pulmonary assessment: Chest X-ray and spirometry to evaluate respiratory fitness for surgery
- Tissue typing and HLA matching: Critical for kidney transplant compatibility between donor and recipient
- Urine and microbiological cultures: To rule out active infection before surgery
- Psychological and social assessment: Evaluation of the patient's and caregiver's readiness for the transplant journey
Lilavati International's on-site diagnostic infrastructure — including CT, MRI, ultrasound, and a full pathology laboratory — means most of these investigations can be completed without transferring the patient to an external facility.
How long does a transplant evaluation take at a hospital in Mumbai?
The duration of a transplant evaluation depends on the organ being assessed, the patient's baseline health, and how quickly results are available. Families should plan for a minimum stay before any surgical decision is made.
| Transplant Type | Typical Evaluation Duration | Key Variables |
|---|---|---|
| Kidney Transplant | 5–10 days | Donor compatibility, dialysis status |
| Liver Transplant | 7–14 days | Severity of liver disease, donor type |
| Other Organs | Varies by case | Specialist team assessment required |
Families should factor in additional time after the evaluation for the transplant committee's review and, if approved, for surgical scheduling. International patients are advised to plan for an extended stay in Mumbai rather than booking return travel immediately after the evaluation period.
What documents does a family need to prepare for a transplant evaluation in Mumbai?
Arriving with complete documentation significantly reduces delays during the evaluation process. Indian regulations governing organ transplantation — particularly for international patients — require specific legal and medical paperwork before the workup can proceed.
- Valid passports for the patient and all accompanying family members or potential donors
- Medical visa (MV) — international patients must enter India on a medical visa; tourist visas are not accepted for transplant procedures
- Referral letter from the treating physician or hospital in the patient's home country
- Complete medical records — prior investigation reports, imaging (CD/digital format preferred), biopsy results, operative notes if applicable
- Proof of relationship between patient and living donor (birth certificate, marriage certificate, or equivalent), required under the Transplantation of Human Organs Act
- Authorisation letter from the patient's embassy or consulate (required for some nationalities under Indian transplant regulations)
- Insurance or financial guarantee documents — a letter of credit or insurance pre-authorisation from the patient's insurer
Warning: Under Indian law, commercial organ trading is illegal. International patients may only receive a transplant from a close relative who donates voluntarily. The hospital's transplant committee and the state authorisation committee must approve all living-donor transplants involving foreign nationals.
Can international patients receive organ transplants in India?
Yes, international patients can receive organ transplants in India, but the process is governed by the Transplantation of Human Organs and Tissues Act (THOTA) and its amendments. Key eligibility points for families to understand include:
- Living-donor transplants from a close relative are permitted for international patients following approval by the hospital's transplant committee and the relevant state authorisation committee
- Deceased-donor (cadaveric) organ allocation in India prioritises Indian nationals on the waiting list; international patients may face significant waiting periods or may not be eligible depending on state policy
- The donor must be a near relative as defined by Indian law (spouse, son, daughter, father, mother, brother, or sister)
- Both patient and donor must undergo independent counselling and medical evaluation
- All documentation must be verified before the authorisation committee grants approval
Families are strongly advised to consult the international patient-care team at Lilavati International in Bandra West, Mumbai, early in the planning process to understand the regulatory pathway specific to their country of origin and the organ required. Contact the team via the booking form on this page or call 022 69318050.
What is the role of a caregiver during an organ transplant evaluation in Mumbai?
A caregiver — typically a family member — plays a clinical and logistical role throughout the transplant evaluation and, if surgery proceeds, during the recovery period. Hospitals and transplant teams expect caregivers to be actively involved, not merely present.
- Medical history relay: Caregivers are often the most reliable source of the patient's medication history, prior episodes, and baseline functional status
- Consent and decision-making: If the patient is unable to participate fully in informed-consent discussions, the caregiver may be designated as the decision-maker
- Donor coordination: If a family member is the living donor, they will undergo a parallel evaluation process and require their own caregiver support
- Post-operative care training: Caregivers receive instruction on wound care, medication schedules, dietary restrictions, and warning signs of rejection before discharge
- Logistical management: Coordinating accommodation, visa extensions, follow-up appointments, and communication with the home-country physician
- Psychological support: The transplant journey is prolonged and emotionally demanding; caregiver wellbeing is a recognised factor in patient outcomes
Lilavati International's international patient-care support programme is designed to assist families with coordination across these areas. Use the booking form on this page to connect with the team before travel.
When should a family begin the transplant evaluation process?
Families should initiate contact with a transplant centre as early as possible — ideally before the patient's condition deteriorates to a point where travel becomes unsafe. Specific triggers that indicate it is time to begin the evaluation process include:
- Kidney disease at Stage 4 or 5 (eGFR below 30 mL/min/1.73m²) or the patient is already on dialysis
- Liver disease with a MELD score above 15, or the patient has experienced a complication such as variceal bleeding, hepatic encephalopathy, or spontaneous bacterial peritonitis
- The treating physician in the home country has formally recommended transplant evaluation
- The patient's quality of life is significantly impaired despite optimal medical management
- A willing and potentially compatible living donor has been identified within the family
Tip: Bring all recent investigation reports and imaging when you first contact the transplant team. A preliminary review of existing records can help the team advise on urgency and likely timelines before you travel.
For urgent queries or if the patient requires emergency stabilisation on arrival, Lilavati International's emergency department at Bandra West, Mumbai, is open 24 hours a day, every day including holidays. Ambulance services are available at +91 97692 50010 or +91 75063 58779. Emergency contact: 022-69318063 / 64.
How does Lilavati International support international transplant patients in Mumbai?
Lilavati International in Bandra West, Mumbai, is a quaternary-care multi-specialty hospital accredited by the Joint Commission International (JCI) — 8th Edition, NABH, and NABL. Its infrastructure is designed to support complex cases including transplant evaluation and post-transplant critical care.
- Round-the-clock access to CT, MRI, ultrasound, and a full diagnostic laboratory — all on-site
- Specialist support across cardiology, nephrology, hepatology, interventional radiology, and cardiothoracic surgery relevant to transplant workup
- Advanced critical-care units including ICU, ICCU, SICU, PICU, and NICU for post-operative management
- Cardiac catheterisation laboratory and multiple operation theatres
- Blood bank, pathology, dialysis, and endoscopy facilities on-site
- Dedicated international patient-care support to assist with documentation, regulatory coordination, and logistics
- NABH Blood Bank Accreditation and NABH Institutional Ethics Committee Accreditation (Clinical Trial Programme)
For families considering organ transplant services or a pre-transplant workup, the international patient team can provide a preliminary case review before travel. Speak with a nephrology or hepatology specialist by using the booking form on this page.
Book a consultation at Lilavati International
Use the booking form on this page, or reach out directly:
Call: 022 69318050
WhatsApp: 022 69318050