When is the best time to have a kidney transplant?

Live donor kidney transplant

If a live donor kidney transplant is a suitable option for you, it is best to have the transplant as soon as possible, even before you start dialysis. 

This is called a pre-emptive transplant.

However, even if you have been on dialysis for a long time, you can still have a live donor kidney transplant.

For most people, a live donor kidney transplant is a better option than staying on dialysis.

Deceased donor kidney transplant

Remember you can't choose the time when you will have a deceased donor transplant.