Organ transplantation is a life-saving method for many people suffering from organ failure. Thanks to medical advancements, it’s now possible to replace a damaged organ with a healthy one from a donor. However, organ transplants are complicated and require comprehensive testing to ensure the recipient and donor are a good match. Among such important test is organ transplant DNA testing. In India, DNA tests have become a crucial part of the transplant process, especially in verifying the biological relationship between donor & recipient for legal approval. In this guide, we’ll explain everything you need to know about organ transplant DNA tests in India, including their significance, the legal process, and how they help in liver and kidney transplants.
What is Organ Transplantation?
Organ transplantation is a medical process where an organ is removed from one person (the donor) and transplanted into another person (the recipient). It is usually done when an organ fails or is damaged beyond the scope of treatment. Commonly transplanted organs include:
- Kidney
- Liver
- Heart
- Pancreas
Among these, kidney and liver transplants are the most common in India.
Why is DNA Testing Needed for Organ Transplants?
In India, living organ donations are governed by the Transplantation of Human Organs Act (THOA) of 2014. This law permits organ donations from close relatives such as parents, children, or siblings. However, to prevent illegal organ trade, the law mandates proof of the biological relationship between the donor and recipient.
This is where organ transplant DNA tests in India play a vital role. DNA testing confirms whether the donor and recipient are biologically related, helping the hospital and authorities make safe and legal transplant decisions.
How Do Organ Transplant DNA Tests Work?
DNA tests are conducted by collecting samples of blood, buccal swabs, or other tissues from both the donor and the recipient. However, the most commonly used sample types remain the cheek swabs, that is, the buccal swabs. The samples are analyzed in a lab to compare specific markers in the DNAs of the donor and the recipient. If the DNA profiles match, it confirms a biological connection.
Importance of DNA Tests in Organ Transplants
Let’s understand why DNA testing is crucial before an organ transplant:
- Legal Approval – To proceed with a living organ transplant in India, hospitals require permission from an Authorization Committee. One of the key documents required is a DNA test report provided in Form 5, proving the donor is a relative of the recipient.
- Prevention of Organ Rackets and Human Trafficking – Illegal organ trade is a great concern in India. DNA tests help eliminate fraud and ensure ethical organ donations.
- Match Compatibility – Besides blood group matching, DNA testing helps assess genetic compatibility, which can decrease the chances of organ rejection.
DNA Test for Liver Transplant
The liver is the largest internal organ and performs vital functions like detoxification, metabolism, and the production of proteins. When the liver fails due to conditions like cirrhosis, hepatitis, or cancer, a liver transplant becomes necessary.
In a living donor liver transplant, a portion of the liver is taken from a healthy donor (a close relative) and transplanted into the recipient. Before this, doctors and legal authorities required a DNA test for a liver transplant to prove that the donor is related to the recipient.
This test is simple, painless, and quick. It also ensures that the donation is genuine and approved by law.
DNA Test for Kidney Transplant
Kidney failure affects thousands of individuals in India every year. When both kidneys fail, dialysis or a kidney transplant becomes the only solution. In most cases, a close relative like a parent, child, or sibling donates one kidney. Before the surgery, hospitals need to arrange a DNA test for kidney transplants to legally and scientifically confirm the relationship between donor and recipient. This is mandatory under Indian law for transplants involving living donors.
The DNA test boosts the success rate of the transplant by reducing the risk of organ rejection. It also makes the process smoother by satisfying the legal requirements set by the Authorization Committee.
Who Can Donate Organs?
According to THOA rules, the following people can legally donate their organs:
- Near relatives: Father, mother, sister, brother, son, daughter, or spouse
- Other than near relatives: Need special approval from the Authorization Committee
- Deceased donors: With consent from the family or the donor card
In all cases of living donations, especially involving near relatives, organ transplant DNA testing in India is essential to confirm the biological connection.
How to Apply for Organ Transplant DNA Testing
If you or your family is planning an organ transplant, here is a simple step-by-step procedure to get a DNA test done:
- Contact a Certified DNA Lab – Select an NABL-accredited lab, such as DNA Forensics Laboratory Pvt. Ltd.
- Provide Required Documents – You’ll need ID proofs of the donor and recipient, a hospital referral, collared photographs, and proof of relationship (like an Aadhar card).
- Sample Collection – Trained professionals collect samples (usually cheek swabs).
- Laboratory Analysis – The lab compares DNA markers to check for a biological match between the two individuals.
- Report Submission – You’ll receive a certified report within a few working days, which can be submitted to the Authorization Committee for further approval.
Cost of DNA Testing for Organ Transplants
The cost of organ transplant DNA testing in India varies depending on the lab, urgency of results, and location. The average cost for standard testing is approximately INR 25,000.
Where to Go for Organ Transplant DNA Testing in India?
DNA Forensics Laboratory Pvt. Ltd. is among the most trusted names for accurate and legally approved organ transplant DNA testing in India. Here, we provide NABL-accredited organ transplant DNA tests for kidney and liver transplants and the reports in the format of Form-5. With 10 years of experience, the latest & high-tech pieces of equipment and machinery, and a team of qualified experts, we ensure dependable results that meet both medical and legal standards.
We have been regularly doing kidney & liver transplant DNA tests for most major hospitals and authorized transplant centers across India. These include-
- AIIMS (New Delhi)
- Fortis
- Apollo hospital
- Manipal Hospital
- Global Hospital
- Max Healthcare
- Sakra World Hospital
- Aster CMI, and many more.
Our nationwide presence makes sample collection easy, even from remote areas. Our team also assists with documentation required under the Transplantation of Human Organs Act (THOA), 2014.
Whether you need to confirm a relationship for legal approval or ensure genetic compatibility for a transplant, we provide complete support. With reliable testing and expert guidance, we help make the complex procedure of organ transplantation smoother and more secure.
Choose us for trustworthy results, professional service, and peace of mind for life-saving transplant procedures.
Book now, or call at +91 8010177771 or WhatsApp +91 9266615552 to learn more about organ transplant DNA tests.
