A. While non-directed kidney donation in the United States is a growing concept that demonstrates the next level of altruism in the U.S., there are major challenges faced by individuals wanting to initiate and successfully complete the process. Non-directed donors (NDDs) altruistically donate their kidneys to strangers in need of a transplant, accumulating significant financial costs throughout the donation process, averaging $6,000 due to travel, lodging and lost wages. Alleviating this major financial burden by removing financial disincentives remains a critical goal set forth by the White House 2016 Summit on Organ Donation to increase organ donation and reduce the overburdened kidney transplant waiting list. To donate, NDD candidates typically undergo a thorough screening process, which includes extensive physical and mental evaluations. B. This study compared the experiences of 31 actual NDDs and 20 potential (PNDDs) to identify factors that may influence an individual's ability to donate. We conducted and analyzed quantitative surveys administered between September 2014 and February 2016. C. Our results demonstrated that NDDs were more likely to be married, have higher household incomes and have higher education levels compared to PNDDs. The majority of both NDDs and PNDDs identified as non-Hispanic White, female, over the age of 50, and shared similarly high levels of general health and altruism. D. These findings highlight specific factors that may contribute to a NDDs' decision and ability to donate, such as financial stability. Findings from this study provide further evidence of the need for the implementation of national policy focused on removing financial disincentives associated with living donor donation in an effort to increase the living NDD pool.

CITATION INFORMATION: Maghen A, Kwan L, Vargas G, Connor S, Nassiri S, Hicks E, Maliski S, Veale J. Potential Barriers Hindering Non-Directed (Altruistic) Living Kidney Donors from Donating Their Kidneys. Am J Transplant. 2017;17 (suppl 3).

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