Not everyone is eligible for a transplant. A person who needs a liver transplant may not qualify for one because of any of the following reasons:
Active alcohol or substance abuse: Persons with active alcohol or substance abuse problems may continue living the unhealthy lifestyle that contributed to their liver damage. Transplantation would only result in failure of the newly transplanted liver.
Cancer: Cancers in locations other than just the liver preclude a transplant.
Advanced heart and lung disease: These conditions inhibit a recipient ability to survive the operation and recovery as well as reducing the chance that a transplanted liver will survive.
Severe infection: Such infections are a threat to a successful procedure.
Massive liver failure: This type of liver failure accompanied by associated brain injury from increased fluid in brain tissue rules against a liver transplant.
HIV infection
Some people who have already "made" the list may be moved to "Status 7" (temporarily ineligible/inactive) if they are subsequently diagnosed with any of these conditions. These patients will move back to active status after successful treatment for their new diagnosed has been demonstrated for a period of time.