Video: Am I eligible for an organ transplant? By Mayo Clinic Staff Share Facebook Twitter Print details Not knowing whether you're eligible for an organ transplant is a hard and stressful place to be. Learning which factors go into the transplant center's decision can help you understand the process. Watch to learn about how your transplant center might decide whether you're eligible. Show transcript Am I eligible for an organ transplant? Transplant centers consider both risks and benefits for each potential transplant recipient. These factors are generally considered positive. A transplant could provide many healthy years. While there isn't an age cutoff, transplant recovery can be harder as you get older. Transplant wouldn't worsen other conditions. Anti-rejection drugs suppress the immune system, making it harder to fight disease. You have a strong support system. Having loved ones nearby to help before and after your surgery is essential. You avoid harmful substances. Alcohol, nicotine and illegal drugs are tied to poor outcomes after transplant. You follow prescribed care plans. A history of keeping appointments and taking medications as prescribed is important. At Mayo Clinic, we apply science and ethics to determine which patients receive transplants. We are committed to staying free from economic, racial and ethnic bias. Guidance from the experts at Mayo Clinic.Get more healthy action tips delivered daily when you download the Mayo Clinic App. Show references General considerations in assessment for transplant candidacy. Organ Procurement and Transplantation Network. https://optn.transplant.hrsa.gov/resources/ethics/general-considerations-in-assessment-for-transplant-candidacy/. Accessed Jan. 18, 2019. Donation FAQs. United Network for Organ Sharing. https://unos.org/transplantation/faqs/. Accessed Jan. 18, 2019. Lewandowski AN, et al. Who gets a lung transplant? Assessing the psychosocial decision-making process for transplant listing. Global Cardiology Science and Practice. 2016;3:e201626. Transplant. Mayo Clinic Connect. https://connect.mayoclinic.org/page/transplant/newsfeed/eligibility-for-liver-or-kidney-transplant/. Accessed Jan. 18, 2019. AskMayoExpert. Transplantation ethics. Mayo Clinic; 2013. VID-20466715