Research reported at the National Kidney Foundation's Spring Clinical Meeting found potential kidney donors are more motivated to donate a kidney based on a close relationship with the recipient than a monetary incentive.
 
Results from the study discovered 95 percent of participants would donate a kidney to an immediate family member, 86 percent would donate to a close friend and 84 percent would donate to a member of their extended family. On the other hand, only 37 percent of participants would donate a kidney to an acquaintance and 26 percent would be willing to donate to a stranger.
 
When examining the motivations of potential donors, the research did find strong support for compensated medical expenses, lost wages and a federal tax cut. Many participants also endorsed altruistic donation with no compensation.

This article originally appeared in the April 2009 issue of Kidney Transplant Today.