ORGAN DONATION & TRANSPLANTATION FACTS YOU SHOULD KNOW

(Information provided by OneLegacy Donor Network)

 

It's possible to transplant approximately 50 different organs and tissues, including, heart, lungs, kidneys, pancreas, liver, small bowel, corneas, skin, bone, bone marrow, cartilage and heart valves.

 

Acceptable organ donors can range in age from newborn to senior citizen.

 

Organ donors are people who have died suddenly, possibly through accidents, and have been declared "brain dead". In this condition, brain function has permanently ceased, but the vital organs are still being perfused and oxygenated with the use of artificial support.

 

Vital organs may be procured and transported hundreds of miles to an awaiting recipient center for transplantation. This is due, in part, to advances in medical technology and improved techniques.

 

Every 20 minutes, a new name is added to the UNOS national waiting list.

 

Nearly 10% of those on the waiting list are 15 years old or younger.

 

There are currently 58 organ procurement organizations (OPO's) across the country that provides procurement services to the 275+ transplant centers nationwide.