FAQ

If I needed a vital organ to live, would I be able to get one?
Maybe. Many people who need transplants of organs and tissues cannot get them because of a shortage of donations. Every month, more than 2,000 names are added to the national waiting list for organ transplants.

How are organs and tissues for transplantation obtained?
Most organs and tissues are donated by individuals at the time of death. Some organs and tissues come from living donors, who are usually blood relatives of the recipient.

How are donated organs distributed?
Donated organs are matched with individuals on a waiting list. In most cases, transplantable organs and tissues come from a cadaveric donor (someone who has died). The names of all those waiting for transplants from cadaveric donors are placed on a waiting list until suitably matched organs become available. The matches are made according to factors that include blood and tissue types, medical need, length of time waiting, and size and weight of the donors and recipients. When a match is found, arrangements are made to remove the donated organs surgically. The organs are then preserved and transported to the center where the transplant is scheduled.

Who can become an organ and tissue donor?
Anyone.

Is there a system for giving the option of organ and tissue donation to the families of patients who have died? Yes. Most states have passed "required request" laws. These laws require the hospital to have a system in place for asking the family members of someone who has died to consider donating their loved one's organs and tissues. The family members must sign a consent form before donation can take place (this is necessary even if the person has indicated the desire to be a donor by signing a donor card or their driver's license). This is why it is so important to tell your family members about your decision to become a donor.

Is there a difference between being in a coma and being brain-dead?
Yes. When someone is in a coma, he or she still has brain activity and is alive. Someone who is brain-dead no longer has brain activity and is dead. His or her body activity is maintained only through mechanical intervention.

Common Misconceptions.

"I am too old to become an organ donor." - False
Age is not a factor. Organ and tissue donors may range in age from babies to senior citizens.

"Organ donation is against my religion." - False
Most major religious organizations support organ and tissue donation or transplantation. Most religious organizations view donation as among the highest of humanitarian ideals.

"The rich and famous will get preferential treatment if they need a transplant." - False
Celebrities and well-connected people cannot receive preferential treatment. Organs are allocated based only on factors that include: blood and tissue types, medical need, length of time waiting, and the size and weight of the donors and recipients.

"My body will be disfigured." - False
The recovery of organs and tissues is a sterile surgical procedure. The body is treated with the utmost respect.

"Organ removal will cause great delays in funeral arrangements." - False
The removal of organs and tissues is normally very quick in order to minimize any delay in funeral arrangements.

"The doctors will let my loved one die to obtain organs." - False
In order for organs to be recovered, the patient must be declared brain-dead. Brain death is pronounced only after several tests have been performed and repeated with the same results. The doctors who are involved in saving lives are separate from the ones involved in organ and tissue recovery.

"Organ donation is expensive." - False
There is no cost associated with donating organs and tissues. All costs involved in organ and tissue recovery are assumed by agencies involved and are passed on to the recipient. No payment is given to the donor or the family because tissue and/or organ donation is considered a gift.

"As long as I sign and carry my donor card, I will be a donor." - Not necessarily true
Upon declaration of brain death, medical professionals will search for the next of kin for consent for donation. To ensure that your wishes are carried out, you must tell your family that you want to be an organ and tissue donor.