Frequently Asked Questions

How do I make sure my donation wishes can be honored?
You should decide if you want to be a donor, register your wishes in your state if it has a registry, and/or share your decision with your family,. If you are 18 or older and have registered your wishes on your driver’s license or signed a legal document indicating that you want to be a donor, qualified medical personnel have the legal authority to carry out your last wish. (If you’re not 18-years-old, you can still be a donor, but your parents or guardian will be asked for consent.)

Why is it important to discuss donation with my family?
Unless your state has a donor registry and you have registered as a donor, your family will be asked about donation and will make the decision. Even if you have registered, personally knowing what your wishes were and being assured that they are carried out can be a great comfort for your family during a tragic time.

Who can donate?
Almost anyone can be a donor. At the time of death, transplant physicians and organ procurement organization specialists determine the medical suitability of organs, tissue, and corneas.

Will my family be charged for donation?
No. All costs related to the donation will be covered by the organ, tissue, and eye recovery agencies.

Will my medical care be affected by my decision to donate?
No. Physicians will make every attempt to save your life. Medical and nursing care are not changed in any way.

What organs and tissues can be donated?
Organs - Kidney, Liver, Heart, Lung, Pancreas and Small Intestine. Tissue - Cornea/Eye, Skin, Bone, Tendons, Heart Valves and Veins

How is it determined who gets a transplant?
Patients waiting for a transplant are listed with the United Network for Organ Sharing (UNOS). When a donor is identified, the donor’s blood type, tissue type, body weight, and size are matched against the list of patients currently waiting for a transplant. The severity of the potential recipient’s illness and his/her time on the waiting list are also considered.

Can organs/tissues be transplanted between sexes and races?
In most cases, yes. Organ size is critical to match donor and recipient hearts, livers, and lungs. Genetics are more critical with kidney transplants. Therefore, African-Americans will "match" better with a kidney donated from an African-American than any other race, as will Asians to Asians, etc.

How are organs and tissues taken?
Transplant surgeons and other medical professionals remove organs, tissues and corneas with technical skill and the utmost respect. This is done most often in a sterile hospital operating room. If multiple organs are donated, there are separate teams of physicians with appropriate specialty areas. Organ procurement organization representatives who understand families’ sad, overwhelming emotions keep the family informed throughout the donation process so they can be comforted that something positive came from the tragedy.

Will donation change my appearance or funeral arrangements?
Not usually. Customary funeral arrangements should not be a problem.