Answers to Commonly Asked Questions About Organ and Tissue Donation

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Have a question about donation? We may have it answered for you right here.

Q:		Who can become a donor?
A:		You should always consider yourself a potential organ and tissue donor regardless of age. Your medical condition at the time of death will determine which organs and tissues can be donated.

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Q:		How do I become a donor?
A:		Rules vary by state, so it's important you follow the right steps.  Use our interactive map to find out how to become a donor in your state, or go to donatelife.net for further information.

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Q:		How do I discuss organ and tissue donation with my family?
A:		Many people are uncomfortable talking about death. Explain to your loved ones how your decision to donate is about life and will offer hope to others whose lives can be saved or enhanced through transplantation.

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Q:		Why should minorities be particularly concerned about donation?
A:		A growing number of minorities are awaiting transplants throughout the United States. Certain diseases of the kidney, heart, lung, liver and pancreas are prevalent in minority communities. Many of these diseases can only be treated through transplantation. Successful transplantation often is enhanced by the matching of organs between members of the same ethnic and racial group.

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Q:		Can I sell my organs?
A:		The buying and selling of organs and tissues is illegal, as part of the National Organ Transplant Act (Public Law 98-507).

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Q:		Can I be an organ and tissue donor and also donate my whole body to medical science?
A:		No. You can either donate organs and tissues OR donate your body to medical science. Or, if you wish to be a full body donor, contact your local medical school for information.

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Q:		Which organs and tissues can I donate?
A:		Organs include the heart, kidneys, pancreas, lungs, liver and intestines. Tissues include eyes, skin, bone, heart valves, tendons/ligaments and veins.

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Q:		What will happen to my donated organs and tissues?
A:		Organs are distributed based upon medical information like blood type, body size, and tissue type matching through a national computer network operated by the United Network for Organ Sharing (UNOS). It is illegal to distribute organs based on non-medical information such as wealth, citizenship, or celebrity status. Tissue is distributed based upon patient need, availability, and medical criteria.

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More frequently asked questions ...

Q:		Can I donate organs to a friend or loved one awaiting a transplant?
A:		National organ allocation guidelines allow families of donors to designate recipients, usually family members or friends. Directed or designated donation, as it is commonly called, is an option.

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Q:		Will my decision to become an organ and tissue donor affect the quality of my medical care?
A:		Absolutely not. Organ and tissue recovery takes place only after all efforts to save your life have been exhausted and death has been declared. The doctors working to save your life are entirely separate from the medical team involved in recovering organs and tissues.

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Q:		Will donation change the appearance of my body?
A:		No. Donation neither disfigures the body nor interferes with funeral arrangements.

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Q:		Does it cost anything to donate organs and tissues?
A:		No. There is not cost to a person's family or estate for organ and tissue donation.

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Q:		Is there an age limit for donating organs?
A:		No set age limit exists for organ donation. At the time of death, the potential donor's organs are evaluated to determine their medical suitability for donation. Therefore, people of any age wishing to become organ and tissue donors should indicate it on their driver's license or stat I.D. card or sign a donor card, indicate it on their driver's license, and inform their family that they wish to donate.

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Q:		What medical conditions exclude a person from donating organs?
A:		The medical condition at the time of death determines what organs and tissues may be donated.

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Q:		How many people are currently waiting for an organ to become available so they can have a transplant?
A:		The number of people requiring a lifesaving transplant continues to rise faster than the number of available donors. Approximately 300 new transplant candidates are added to the waiting list each month.

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Q:		Does my religion approve of donation?
A:		All of the major religions in this country approve of organ and tissue donation and consider it a gift — an act of charity. If you have questions, contact your religious adviser.

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