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TextOrgan and Tissue FAQ
Q. Am I qualified to be a donor?
A. Everyone should consider themselves a potential organ/tissue donor, regardless of age or medical history. At the time of the donation, medical professionals will determine which organs and tissues are acceptable for transplant, research, therapy or education.
Q. If I indicate a willingness to become a donor, will every effort be made to save my life in case of accident or illness?
A. Of course. Organ and tissue donation is considered only after all possible efforts have been made to save the patient's life. The patient's death must be certified under very strict medical guidelines. The members of the transplant team cannot be involved in certifying the patient's death.
Q. What is the public's attitude toward donation?
A. The public overwhelmingly supports organ/tissue donation. A substantial majority say they would be willing to make a donation on behalf of a loved one.
Q. Then why is there a severe shortage of donated organs and tissue?
A. Because too few people know how to register to be a donor, or if they do register, they fail to share their decision with their family and friends.
Q. Can I specify which organs/tissue I want to donate?
A. Yes. You can specify donating one, two or all your organs and tissues.
Q. Why should I discuss my decision with my family?
A. Your family or health care proxy will be more asked to help facilitate your wishes to donate by providing a medical and social history to determine suitability for transplant, research, therapy or education.
Q. What will my family think about my becoming a donor?
A. Most families feel very positive about the decision. It will spare them the burden of making the decision for you. Donor families typically experience a sense of comfort in knowing their loved one's gift gave another person a second chance at life.
Q. How are organ/tissue recipients chosen?
A. The recipients of donated organs are identified thorough the computer matching system of the United Network for Organ Sharing. Criteria considered include urgency of need, length of time on the waiting list, compatibility of blood type, tissue matching and body size. The system for selecting recipients of tissue is less structured but many of the same factors are used. Recipients are chosen without regard to race or sex, although children and previous living donors receive some credit if they must be listed.
Q. Will my family have to pay the costs of donation?
A. All costs related to recovery of organs and tissue are paid for by the organ/tissue procurement agency responsible for making the arrangements. The donor's family pays only normal funeral expenses and hospital expenses incurred before donation.
Q. Will my body be disfigured?
A. Generally, no. The operation will be performed by a highly skilled team of transplant professionals. The surgery will not alter the donor's appearance. The body is treated with the utmost respect and dignity. An open casket viewing is possible.
Q. Will donating delay funeral arrangements?
A. Organ/tissue donation will not delay funeral arrangements or add to their cost.
Q. What are religious views on organ/tissue donation?
A. All major Eastern and Western religions and ethical traditions approve of organ/tissue donation. They consider it an expression of the highest humanitarian ideals of love and charity because organ/tissue donation enhances life.
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