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How serious is the organ shortage? |
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According to UNOS, the United Network for Organ Sharing, there are over 108,190 people on the current waiting list for organ transplants. 17 people die every day while waiting for an organ transplant.
Thousands more are waiting for the gift of sight, or the precious bone and other tissues that will save or improve their lives. |
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Are there age limits for donors? |
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There are no age limitations on who can donate. The deciding factor is the person¹s physical condition. |
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How do I express my wishes to become an organ and tissue donor? |
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Indicate your intent by signing and carrying a donor card or specifying "donor" on your driver's license. Most important DISCUSS YOUR DECISION WITH FAMILY MEMBERS AND LOVED ONES. Many states now have on-line Donor Registries. |
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What can I do if a member of my family becomes a potential organ donor? |
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If no one on the medical team suggests organ/tissue donation, you, as the next-of-kin, should alert the medical staff of your and your loved ones wishes. |
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What organs and tissues are needed for donation? |
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Organs such as the heart, lungs, kidneys, liver, pancreas and small intestines, and tissues such as bone, tendons, skin, heart valves, veins, connective tissue and eyes are needed for donations. Blood, bone marrow, placenta and cord blood can also be considered donated tissue. |
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If I sign a donor card will it affect the quality of medical care I receive at the hospital? |
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No! Every effort will be made to save your life before donation is even considered. |
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Will donation disfigure my body? Can there be an open casket funeral? |
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Donation does not disfigure the body and does not interfere with having a funeral, including open casket services. |
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Are there any costs to my family for donation? |
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The family does NOT pay for the cost of organ/tissue donation. All costs related to donation of organs and tissues are paid by the recipient, usually through insurance, Medicare or Medicaid. |
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Can I sell my organs? |
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No! The National Organ Transplant Act (Public Law 98-507) makes it ILLEGAL to sell human organs and tissues. |
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Does my religion accept donation? |
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Most religions support and consider donation as an act of charity. It is a way to affirm the deceased's generosity and goodness. If you have questions about the beliefs of your religion, you should discuss them with your spiritual advisor. |
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Can I be an organ and tissue donor and also donate my body to medical science? |
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Total body donation is an option, but not if you choose to be an organ and tissue donor. |
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Do any organs/tissues go to waste? |
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No. Organs are "matched" with transplant recipients before they are removed. If the organs or tissues are not suitable for transplantation they can be used for research which helps the medical community in its efforts to find cures for diseases. Written permission from next-of-kin must be obtained for research. |
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What is "brain death"? |
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Brain death is death. It occurs when the brain and the brain stem stop functioning. Once the brain cells die there is no chance for recovery. Most organ donations occur when a person dies from brain death injuries. |
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Why must artificial life support continue after brain death has been determined? |
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The ventilator or breathing machine provides oxygen to the organs, keeping them healthy until they are removed for transplantation. |
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Can an organ donation occur when someone has not died from brain injury? |
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There is a type of organ donation called "donation after cardiac death DCD" where the donor can experience "cardiac death" (when the heart stops functioning). The donation occurs after the decision to withdraw life support is made and the person¹s heart actually stops beating. The recovery must take place within minutes of the cessation of heartbeat. |
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Can a living person donate an organ? or tissue? |
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Yes! A living person can donate one of their kidneys or a section of their liver or lungs. They can also donate bone marrow, and a new mother can donate placenta or cord blood immediately after her child is delivered. |
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What are the benefits of organ and tissue donation? |
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Families who decide to donate often find that it helps them through the grieving process. They receive great comfort from being able to have something positive come from the death of a loved one. For recipients, organ
transplants offer a second chance at life. In the case of tissue recipients, their quality of life is enhanced. |
