[{"@context":"https:\/\/schema.org\/","@type":"Article","@id":"https:\/\/share-dev.upmc.com\/2026\/06\/lung-transplant-waitlist\/#Article","mainEntityOfPage":"https:\/\/share-dev.upmc.com\/2026\/06\/lung-transplant-waitlist\/","headline":"How Does the Lung Transplant Waitlist Work?","name":"How Does the Lung Transplant Waitlist Work?","description":"When you live with advanced lung disease, the idea of a lung transplant can feel like a lifeline. But it may also be confusing, emotional, and overwhelming, especially when it comes to understanding how the lung transplant waiting list works. Here’s what you need to know about the process, including lung transplant criteria and how […]","datePublished":"2026-06-12","dateModified":"2026-07-31","author":{"@type":"Organization","@id":"https:\/\/www.upmc.com\/services\/transplant","name":"Transplant Services","url":"https:\/\/www.upmc.com\/services\/transplant","sameAs":"https:\/\/share-dev.upmc.com\/transplant-services\/","parentOrganization":"UPMC"},"publisher":{"@type":"Organization","name":"UPMC HealthBeat","logo":{"@type":"ImageObject","@id":"https:\/\/share-dev.upmc.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/04\/UPMC-HealthBeat-Logo.png","url":"https:\/\/share-dev.upmc.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/04\/UPMC-HealthBeat-Logo.png","width":600,"height":60}},"image":{"@type":"ImageObject","@id":"https:\/\/share-dev.upmc.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/GettyImages-2219858435-e1781289627143.jpg","url":"https:\/\/share-dev.upmc.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/GettyImages-2219858435-e1781289627143.jpg","height":866,"width":2000},"url":"https:\/\/share-dev.upmc.com\/2026\/06\/lung-transplant-waitlist\/","about":["Transplant"],"wordCount":1414,"articleBody":"When you live with advanced lung disease, the idea of a lung transplant can feel like a lifeline. But it may also be confusing, emotional, and overwhelming, especially when it comes to understanding how the lung transplant waiting list works.Here’s what you need to know about the process, including lung transplant criteria and how to stay healthy and manage stress while you wait.How to Get on the Lung Transplant Waiting ListGetting on the lung transplant waiting list begins with a referral, an evaluation, and a review of your health, lifestyle, and support system. These steps help your transplant team decide whether a transplant is the safest and most effective option for you.Referral and intakeYour doctor can refer you to a transplant center \u2014 or you can refer yourself. After receiving your referral, an intake coordinator will reach out to gather basic information to better understand your medical needs. They’ll also review your insurance and schedule your evaluation.Evaluation processYour evaluation includes several days of scheduling testing and consultations with a multidisciplinary team. You\u2019ll meet with pulmonologists, surgeons, social workers, dietitians, financial coordinators, and transplant nurses. They\u2019ll review your medical history, talk with you about your goals, and assess if you’re ready for a transplant.You\u2019ll also complete a series of tests, which may include:Bloodwork.Cancer screenings.Compatibility testing (blood type, tissue typing, cross\u2011matching).Heart testing.Imaging.Pulmonary function tests.These tests help your team understand your overall health and determine whether you can safely have transplant surgery.Your team will also evaluate how quickly your disease is progressing and whether treatments are still effective. You may qualify for a lung transplant if you have a life\u2011threatening lung disease that no longer responds to treatment. This includes severe lung diseases and conditions like:Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).Cystic fibrosis.Pulmonary fibrosis.Pulmonary hypertension.Lung transplant criteriaMeeting medical criteria is only part of the picture. Transplant care is complex. The American Society of Transplantation emphasizes that consistent follow\u2011through is essential for long\u2011term success.Transplant centers also look at your lifestyle and your ability to manage the lifelong care that follows a lung transplant. You must:Be able to follow medical instructions \u2014 You must take medications exactly as prescribed, attend frequent appointments, complete testing, and communicate changes in your health.Be cancer-free for at least five years \u2014 If you have a history of cancer, your risk of it recurring increases after a transplant. A five\u2011year cancer\u2011free period helps ensure your body is stable enough for surgery and immunosuppressive medications.Be emotionally and mentally prepared \u2014 Transplant is a lifelong commitment. You may meet with social workers or psychologists to assess stress, anxiety, depression, or other concerns.Be free of active infections \u2014 Infections can temporarily make you ineligible because immunosuppressive medications weaken your immune system after a transplant.Be nicotine-free for at least six months \u2014 This includes cigarettes, vaping, cigars, chewing tobacco, nicotine patches, and nicotine gum. Nicotine affects healing and increases the risk of infection. You may undergo nicotine testing to confirm you remain smoke\u2011free.Have stable financial and insurance support \u2014 Transplant care involves lifelong medications, frequent appointments, and ongoing monitoring. Social workers will help you understand coverage, costs, and resources so you can maintain long\u2011term care.Have a strong support system \u2014 A transplant requires daily help before and after surgery. You must have caregivers who can assist with transportation, medications, meals, home care, and emotional support during your recovery. Many centers require you to identify at least one dedicated caregiver.Maintain a healthy BMI and overall health \u2014 Your weight, nutrition, muscle strength, and overall physical condition affect your recovery after a transplant.Not use alcohol or illicit drugs \u2014 Substance use can interfere with healing, medication safety, and long\u2011term transplant success. Your team may request counseling, treatment programs, or regular screenings to support your recovery.Getting listedIf the transplant team decides a transplant is in your best interest, they’ll add your name to the national waiting list. Managed by the United Network for Organ Sharing (UNOS), this list matches donor lungs with people who need them most.What to Expect While Waiting for a Lung TransplantOnce you\u2019re listed, your transplant team will continue to follow you closely. You’ll see your pulmonology team regularly and your transplant surgeon every three months, or more often if needed. You’ll also receive ongoing education and support to help you stay ready for transplant.How matching worksWhen donor lungs become available, experts look at several factors to determine the best match:How close you are to the donor hospital.How sick you are.The size of the donor lungs.Your blood type.Your lung allocation score (LAS).LAS ranges from 0 to 100, with higher scores matched sooner. Since your LAS can change with your health, your team updates your score regularly to reflect your current condition.Staying readyWhile you wait, you must stay prepared. Your team will ask you to:Attend all appointments.Continue healthy habits for lung disease and avoid anything that could delay surgery.Keep your phone on at all times.Stay within a certain distance of the hospital.Update them about new symptoms.These steps help ensure you\u2019re ready the moment a donor lung becomes available.How long is the wait for a lung transplant?There’s no set timeline for how long you will wait. Some people wait weeks, while others wait months or longer. Wait times vary based on:Donor lung availability.Whether you have antibodies that make matching harder.Your blood type.Your chest size.Your LAS.While you wait, your team will closely monitor you, adjusting your LAS as needed to reflect your current health.Healthy Habits During Transplant WaitHealthy habits play a major role in your lung transplant preparation. They help you stay strong, reduce complications, and improve your recovery after surgery.Make healthy choicesWhile you can\u2019t control the timing of your transplant, you can control the choices you make to keep your body strong. These lifestyle changes make a meaningful difference during the wait:Avoid tobacco and nicotine \u00ad\u2014 You must stay completely nicotine\u2011free to remain eligible.Follow your care team\u2019s diet recommendations \u2014 Your team may suggest a balanced diet, staying hydrated, and maintaining a healthy weight. Good nutrition supports your immune system and helps your body handle surgery.Practice good hygiene \u2014 Wash your hands often, avoid people who are sick, and keep your home clean to reduce infection risk.Protect your lungs from irritants \u2014 Avoid indoor and outdoor pollutants, secondhand smoke, mold, and chemicals. These can worsen lung disease and increase your infection risk.Remain active \u2014 Staying active is one of the most important parts of preparing for transplant. If recommended by your care team, light to moderate activity will help strengthen your heart and muscles, reduce stress, and improve recovery after surgery. Your team may recommend walking, gentle stretching, or pulmonary rehabilitation exercises.Stay up to date on vaccines \u2014 Vaccines help prevent infections that could delay your transplant or make you too sick for surgery.Manage stressWaiting for a transplant can be emotionally challenging. Many people feel anxious, frustrated, or uncertain. Remember, you\u2019re not alone, and there are healthy ways to cope.To stay grounded and emotionally prepared for the journey ahead, manage your stress by:Following a routine to maintain structure and purpose.Practicing deep breathing and relaxation exercises.Staying connected with family, friends, and support groups.Talking openly with your transplant team about fears or concerns.How Does UPMC Support You During the Wait?UPMC provides a full support system for people on the transplant waiting list. This includes:A multidisciplinary team to guide you through every step.Compatibility testing and monitoring.Ongoing education.Prehabilitation.Regular follow\u2011up appointments.Support for emotional, social, and financial needs.SourcesAmerican Lung Association, 10 Simple Steps to Your Healthiest Lungs. Accessed April 2026. https:\/\/www.lung.org\/blog\/10-tips-for-healthy-lungs. Link.American Society of Transplantation, While Waiting: What to Do While Waiting for Your Transplant. Accessed April 2026. https:\/\/www.myast.org\/findyourvoice\/while-waiting. Link.Cystic Fibrosis Foundation, What to Do While Waiting for a Transplant: Maintaining Your Health and More. Accessed April 2026. https:\/\/www.cff.org\/managing-cf\/what-do-while-waiting-transplant-maintaining-your-health-and-more. Link.MedlinePlus, Lung Transplant. Accessed April 2026. https:\/\/medlineplus.gov\/ency\/article\/003010.htm. Link.Pulmonary Hypertension Association, Getting Ready for Your Transplant. Accessed April 2026. https:\/\/phassociation.org\/pulmonary-hypertension\/treatments\/transplant-and-procedures\/transplant\/getting-ready\/. 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