Overview
You may be thinking about donating an organ to a family member or friend. Or you may want to donate an organ to help someone in need. Donating an organ while you're alive is called a "living donation."
Some people who are critically ill need an organ transplant to live. But there are a lot more organs needed than are available. One problem is trying to match a donated organ with the body of the person who gets the organ.
Make sure to think about how giving an organ may affect your emotions. If you're thinking about being an organ donor, you will be asked if you understand how it may affect you and your family. You will also be asked if you understand how it may affect your health. And you will be asked if you feel pressured to donate an organ.
For many people, making a living organ donation can be rewarding. After a successful transplant, most donors feel a special sense of well-being because they may have helped save a life.
What to know
- Most adults can become organ donors.
- You can donate to someone you know. Or you can donate to the national waiting list.
- Organs you can donate include a kidney or part of the liver, lung, pancreas, or intestines.
- You need a number of medical tests before you can donate.
- You don't pay for your medical costs.
- If you have questions about organ donation, talk to your doctor, a trusted friend, or your faith leader.
- Most religions allow organ donation.
If you're interested in donating organs or tissues, or if you want to learn more, contact the United Network for Organ Sharing (UNOS). Call 1-888-894-6361. Or go online at www.transplantliving.org to get more information.
Who can be a living organ donor?
- You don't have to be in perfect health to donate an organ, as long as the organ you donate is healthy.
- People of any age can sign up to be organ donors. In many states there's no minimum age. An adult might have to sign for someone under age 18.
- To be a living donor, you must be:
- In good general health.
- Free from diseases that can damage the organs. These include diabetes, uncontrolled high blood pressure, and cancer.
- If you are or may someday become pregnant, talk with your doctor. Donating an organ could affect your future pregnancies.
Who can you give an organ to?
You can direct your donation to someone you know. It could be a family member, a friend, a coworker, or a person that you know needs an organ. Or you can donate to someone in need by donating to the national waiting list. You may also want to talk with your doctor about paired organ exchange. This program helps find organ matches between people who may not know each other. Medical tests will show if your organ is a good match with the recipient.
If you do a directed donation, your organ goes only to the person you name. If you donate to the national waiting list, your organ will go to an anonymous person on the list. If you donate to the national waiting list, the Organ Procurement and Transplantation Network uses a computer to match your organ with possible recipients based on things such as tissue and blood type.
What organs can you donate?
Living donors can donate these organs:
- A kidney
- A lobe (part) of a lung
- A lobe of your liver (It will grow back to almost its original size in your body and in the recipient's body over time.)
- A section of your intestine
- A part of your pancreas
You can also donate bone marrow, umbilical cord blood, and peripheral blood stem cells.