Transplant Recipient Information

Glossary

ABO	A categorization system for blood groups.
Antibody	A protein produced in the body to fight an invasion by foreign material (antigen).
Antigen	Any substance not normally present in the body which causes production of an antibody (e.g. A transplant, pregnancy, transfusion, or infection).
Body Mass Index (BMI)	BMI is used to identify if you're at increased risk of developing health problems. It measures the ratio of your weight to your height.
Creatinine	Creatinine is the waste product of creatine phosphate in muscles.
Crossmatch	A test to determine if a donor and a recipient will be compatible.
Glomerular Filtration Rate (GFR)	A test used to check how well the kidneys are working.
Human Leukocyte Antigen (HLA)	Genetic markers we receive from our parents.
Immunosuppressive Medication	Often called 'anti-rejection' medication. Used to prevent organ rejection.
Renal	Another word for kidney.
Rejection	The body fights against the transplanted kidney.
Sensitization	Presence of an antibody against a potential donor.
Urea	A waste product of the body made of broken down proteins from the foods we eat.
Ureter	A tube that takes the urine from the kidney to the bladder.

Current as of: July 25, 2019

Author: Kidney Health Strategic Clinical Network, Alberta Health Services

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