Question

How many people are currently waiting for each organ to become available so they can have a transplant?

Answer

The number of patients now on the waiting list and other data are available at Organ Procurement and Transplantation Network. The number of people requiring a life-saving transplant continues to rise faster than the number of available donors. Approximately 300 new transplant candidates are added to the waiting list each month.

Question

Are there any costs to my family for donation?

Answer

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.

Question

Why should minorities be particularly concerned about organ donation?

Answer

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, African Americans, Asians and Pacific Islanders, and Hispanics are three times more likely than Whites to suffer from end-stage renal disease. Native Americans are four times more likely than Whites to suffer from diabetes. Some of these diseases are best treated through transplantation and others can only be treated through transplantation.

Patients are less likely to reject an organ if it is donated by an individual who is genetically similar. People are usually more genetically similar to others of their own ethnicity than to people of other ethnicities. The more minority donors there are, the greater the likelihood that minority patients will find an organ that matches their tissue type. (From the Myths and Facts section). For more information on minorities and organ donation, visit the web site of the National Minority Organ Tissue Transplant Education Program (not a U.S. Government Web site) at www.mottep.org.

Question

What organs and tissues can be donated?

Answer

Organs: heart, kidneys, pancreas, lungs, liver, and intestines Tissue: cornea, skin, heart valves, bone, blood vessels, and connective tissue Bone marrow/stem cells, umbilical cord blood.

Question

Will donation disfigure my body? Can there be an open casket funeral?

Answer

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

Question

How can I become an organ donor?

Answer

Each organ and tissue donor saves or improves the lives of as many as 50 people. Giving the "Gift of Life" may lighten the grief of the donor's own family. Many donor families say that knowing other lives have been saved helps them cope with their tragic loss.

Question

If I sign a donor card or indicate my donation preferences on my driver’s license, will my wishes be carried out?

Answer

Even if you sign a donor card it is essential that your family know your wishes. Your family may be asked to sign a consent form in order for your donation to occur.

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.

Question

How can I become an organ donor?

Answer

Designate your decision on your driver’s license.

Sign a donor card and carry it with you.

Download a page of eight donor cards that you may print and sign.

Order a free donor card that will be mailed to you.

Talk to your Family. To help your family understand and carry out your wishes, sit down with your loved ones and tell them about your decision to be an organ and tissue donor. They can serve as your advocate and may be asked to give consent for donation or provide information to the transplant team.

To learn more visit http://www.organdonor.gov/

Question

Can I sell my organs?

Answer

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)

Question

Can I be an organ and tissue donor and also donate my body to medical science?

Answer

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.

Question

If I have a previous medical condition, can I still donate?

Answer

Yes! Transplant professionals will evaluate the condition of your organs at the time of your death and determine if your organs are suitable for donation. You should consider yourself a potential 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.

Question

Are there age limits for donors?

Answer

There are no age limitations on who can donate. Whether you can donate depends on your physical condition, not age. Newborns as well as senior citizens have been organ donors.

Question

How are donated organs distributed?

Answer

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.

Question

If I sign a donor card, will it affect the quality of medical care I receive at the hospital?

Answer

No! The medical team trying to save your life is separate from the transplant team. Every effort is made to save your life before donation is considered.

Question

If I would like to donate a kidney to someone I know who is in need, how can I be tested to see if I am a match?

Answer

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. The internet is a good source of living donor information on sites such as the United Network for Organ Sharing (UNOS) – – on the Living Donation page and the National Kidney Foundation. UNOS is the Federal contractor that manages the Organ Procurement and Transplantation Network (OPTN). UNOS has a toll free number for any questions you may have about living donation, transplant centers, or the transplant process. The number is 1-888-TXINFO1 (894-6361).

Question

How are organs distributed?

Answer

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

Question

Can non-resident aliens donate and receive organs?

Answer

Non-resident 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%) of the 12,375 organ donors were non-resident aliens. In this same year, 259 (1%) of the 23,998 transplants performed were on non-resident aliens.