Transplantation of renal allografts (RA) from older donors has become more common, despite conflicting data on outcome between reports from large series versus individual centres. Factors other than donor age per se may contribute to RA outcome. 
The outcome of RA procured from 114 older donors over 55 yr of age in NSW, between 1990 and 1997, was analysed. Corresponding donor factors, including demographics, medical history, inotrope use, major hypotension and findings at procurement, were also analysed. 
Of the potential RA, 8% were discarded and the remainder transplanted. Factors significantly associated with renal discard were pre‐transplantation donation biopsy abnormality (p<0.001) and a history of cardiovascular (CV) disease in the donor (p<0.02). Donor aortorenal atherosclerosis (AS; p<0.09) and a donor age of 65 yr or older (p<0.08) were common in the discard group. The never function rate was 7.6% and was associated with a history of a discarded partner kidney (p<0.05). The delayed graft function rate was 33% and was associated with a history of donor CV disease. At a median follow up of 5 yr, the death censored allograft failure rate was 24%. Allograft failure was associated with a history of donor hypertension (p<0.05). Donor AS (p<0.7) tended to have been more common in the allograft failure group. 
A number of cadaveric organ donor factors documented at procurement may be associated with inferior outcome of RA. These include biopsy abnormality, history of donor CV disease and history of donor hypertension. A donor age of 65 yr or older or significant visible aortorenal AS may also be factors. 
This retrospective review of kidneys procured from 114 older cadaveric organ donors identifies factors apart from donor age, which may have a negative impact on both allograft utilisation and outcome. Theses factors include renal biopsy abnormality, history of donor CV disease, discard of a partner kidney and donor hypertension. Visible AS in the donor aorta documented at renal procurement may also be a factor.