Glossary

You can call (800) 749-7424 ext 5-0254 to make a referral to the kidney transplant program at the Shands Transplant Center at the University of Florida.

Antigen is a marker on each cell in your body that your immune system identifies as yours. Antigens considered in transplants are called HLA antigens.

Antibody is a special substance that attacks and destroys foreign bodies. Antibodies will attack antigens that are different from yours.

Blood type is the blood group to which you belong. You can have A, AB, B or O type blood.

Cadaver kidney is a kidney taken from a donor who is brain-dead.

Immune system is the body's defense system that knows you and destroys cells in your body that are not like you.

Immunosuppression is a term used when your immune defense system is lowered. Prednisone, Imuran, Cyclosporine, CellCept, Prograf and OKT-3 are immunosuppressive drugs. These will help prevent your body from rejecting your transplanted kidney.

Killer cells are special cells that belong to the immune system and circulate in your blood "looking for trouble." A new kidney transplant with antigens that do not belong to you may attract the killer cells.

Living donor is a family member, significant other or friend who donates one of his or her kidneys.

Rejection is when your immune system recognizes that your new kidney is different from the rest of your cells and attempts to destroy it. This is a normal body response.

Tissue typing is a test to identify specific antigens considered for transplants (HLA antigens).

Statistics
Success rate and various other statistics regarding the Shands Transplant Center at UF are available from the Scientific Registry of Transplant Recipients at ustransplant.org.

Transplant Navigation

Heart and Lung Transplant

Kidney Transplant Navigation

Discharge after transplantation

Make an Appointment

To make an appointment or find out more information about transplant services offered at Shands at the University of Florida, please call 352.265.8000 or toll-free 1.800.749.7424

You may also email our Consultation Center (consult@shands.ufl.edu) or use our secure online form.