FAQs

Patients are matched to organs based on a number of factors, including blood and tissue typing, medical need, time on the waiting list and geographical location.

The number of patients on the waiting list and other data are available through the Organ Procurement and Transplantation Network at http://www.optn.org. The number of people requiring a life-saving transplant continues to rise faster than the number of available donor organs. Approximately 300 new transplant candidates are added to the waiting list each month, representing both genders and every race and age group.

All individuals can indicate their intent to donate (people under the age of 18 must have the consent of a parent or legal guardian). Medical suitability for donation is determined at the time of death.

Even if you sign a donor card, it is essential that your family also know your wishes regarding organ donation, so discuss your preference with them as soon as possible. Your family may be asked to sign a consent form in order for your donation to occur, and if they say no, the hospital may refuse to accept your organs.

If you wish to learn how organ donation preferences are documented and honored where you live, contact your local organ procurement organization (OPO). The OPO can advise you of specific local procedures, such as joining donor registries that are available to residents in your area.

No! The National Organ Transplant Act (Public Law 98-507) makes it illegal to sell human organs and tissues in the United States. Violators are subject to fines and imprisonment. One reason Congress made this law was to make sure the wealthy do not have an unfair advantage for obtaining donated organs and tissues. (OPTN white paper on bioethics - Financial Incentives for Organ Donation, June 30, 1993)

Within the United States, living donations of a kidney can be made to a family member, friend or anyone on the waiting list. Living donations are arranged through one of several transplant centers throughout the U.S. Before anyone can be considered as a donor, the individual must undergo a complete physical, as well as a psychosocial evaluation by the transplant center where they intend to make the donation. Two good sources of information are the Living Donation Page of the United Network for Organ Sharing (UNOS) website (http://www.unos.org/living_donation.asp) and the National Kidney Foundation website (http://www.kidney.org/atoz/atozItem.cfm?id=48). UNOS is a federal contractor that manages the Organ Procurement and Transplantation Network (OPTN) -- www.optn.org. You can call UNOS’ toll-free number with any questions you may have about living donation, transplant centers or the transplant process. The number is 1-888-TXINFO1 (894-6361).

No. Your family pays for your medical care and funeral costs, but not for organ donation. Costs related to donation are paid by the recipient, usually through insurance, Medicare or Medicaid.

Minorities overall have a particularly high need for organ transplants because some diseases of the kidney, heart, lung, pancreas and liver are found more frequently in racial and ethnic minority populations than in the general population. For example, Blacks, Asians and Pacific Islanders, and Hispanics are three times more likely than whites to suffer from end-stage kidney disease, often as the result of high blood pressure and other conditions that can damage the kidneys. And Native Americans are four times more likely than whites to suffer from diabetes. Some of these conditions that can result in organ failure are best treated through transplantation and others can only be treated by this life-saving procedure. In addition, similar blood type is essential in matching donors to recipients. Because certain blood types are more common in ethnic minority populations, increasing the number of minority donors can increase the frequency of transplants in minority candidates.

For more information on minorities and organ donation, visit the website of the National Minority Organ Tissue Transplant Education Program at www.mottep.org (not a U.S. Government website).

Total body donation generally is not an option if you choose to be an organ and tissue donor. Eye donors still may be accepted. Also, there are a few medical schools and research organizations that still may accept an organ donor for research. If you wish to donate your entire body, you should contact the medical organization of your choice directly and make arrangements. Medical schools, research facilities, and other agencies study bodies to understand how disease affects human beings. This research is vital to saving and improving lives.

Previous medical conditions do not automatically preclude a person from donating his or her organs. As is the case with all potential donors, transplant professionals will evaluate the condition of your organs at the time of your death and determine if your organs are suitable for donation. If you wish to be an organ and tissue donor, indicate your intent to donate on your driver's license, donor card or state donor registry, and discuss your decision with family members.

Nonresident aliens can both donate and receive organs in the United States. Organs are given to patients according to medical need, not citizenship. In 2001, 334 (2.7 percent) of the 12,375 organ donors were nonresident aliens and 259 (1 percent) of the 23,998 transplants performed were on nonresident aliens.

There are no age limitations for organ and tissue donors. Whether you are able to donate depends entirely on your physical condition, not your age, so newborns and senior citizens can donate if they are deemed eligible by transplant professionals at the time of death.

Donation does not interfere with having an open casket service. Surgical techniques are used to retrieve organs and tissues, and all incisions are closed.

Absolutely not. The medical team trying to save your life is independent of the transplant team. Every effort will be made to save your life before donation is considered.