Q:   Who is eligible to be an organ or tissue donor?
A:   Organ and tissue donation is a possibility for most people, with a few exceptions.  Those who are HIV positive or have active cancer or systemic infections are not eligible to donate.  There are no definitive age limits and evaluation is done when the need is present.  

Q:   What organs can be donated?
A:   Transplantation today can be performed for kidneys, heart, lungs, liver, pancreas and the intestines.

Q:   How many people are currently waiting for an organ?
A:   The number of people in need of a transplant rises faster than the number of available donors.  Approximately 300 new transplant candidates are added to the waiting list each month.  To view the waiting list total and other data, visit the Organ Procurement and Transplantation Network at http://www.optn.org.

Q:   Are there any costs to my family if I choose to donate?
A:   No.  A donor’s family pays for medical care and funeral costs, but any costs related to the organ donation are paid by the recipient, usually through insurance, Medicare or Medicaid.

Q:   If I sign a donor card or change my driver’s license to indicate organ donation, will my wishes be carried out?
A:   Even if you make the appropriate recommendations on your driver’s license and/or sign a donor card, it is essential that your family knows your wishes.  Your family may be asked to sign a consent form in order for your donation to occur.  The organ procurement organization can give you more information on procedures specific to your location, such as donor registries available to residents of your local area.

Q:   If I have a previous medical condition, can I still donate?
A:   Yes.  Transplant professionals evaluate the condition of your organs at the time of death and determine if they are suitable for donation.  Regardless of past medical history, consider yourself a potential organ and tissue donor; indicate your intent on your driver’s license, donor card and/or state donor registry; and discuss your decision with your family.

Q:  Are minorities in greater need of organ donation?
A:   Yes.  Some diseases of the kidney, heart, lung, pancreas and liver are more predominant in racial and ethnic minority populations, as compared to the general population.  Similar blood type is essential in matching donors to recipients.  Because certain blood types are more common in ethnic minority populations, the need for minority donors is implicit.

Q:   If I would like to donate an organ or tissue to someone I know, how would I be tested as a suitable match?
A:   In the United States, living donations can be made to a family member, friend or anyone on the waiting list.  Living donations are arranged through one of the U.S. transplant centers. Before donation, the individual must undergo a complete physical, as well as psychosocial evaluation by the transplant center.  The United Network for Organ Sharing (UNOS) www.unos.org is a good source for information on living donations.  UNOS has a toll-free number for any questions you may have about living donation, transplant centers or the transplant process, 1-888-TXINFO1 (894-6361).