What health condition is considered a contraindication for becoming a living kidney donor?

The health condition that serves as a contraindication for becoming a living kidney donor is chronic kidney disease. Individuals with chronic kidney disease have reduced kidney function, which poses significant risks for both the donor and the recipient. Since the primary role of the kidneys is to filter waste and excess fluids from the body, an individual with impaired kidney function is already under strain, and the donation of a kidney could lead to further deterioration of their health.

In the context of kidney donation, potential donors must be in good overall health and possess at least one adequately functioning kidney. The long-term health of the donor is a primary concern in the selection process, ensuring that they can live healthily and functionally with only one kidney post-donation. Chronic kidney disease directly undermines this requirement, making it a critical contraindication for potential living donors.

While conditions such as diabetes, hypertension, and obesity can impact the suitability of a donor, they do not automatically negate the possibility of donation as well as chronic kidney disease does. Decisions about these other conditions are made on a case-by-case basis, considering the severity of the disease and overall health.