|
Am I too old to be a donor?
No. You are never to old to give the gift of life.
Do my religious beliefs conflict with donation?
No. All major religions support organ and tissue donation as the ultimate act of charity. If you have questions about your faith’s views on donation, consult with your minister, pastor, rabbi or other religious leader.
Do rich and famous people get transplants faster than everyone else?
No. It may seem like they do because their stories are frequently in the news. The matching of organs and recipients is coordinated through the United Network of Organ Sharing and is based strictly on medical criteria to ensure the organ will go to the person who needs it the most. Celebrity status or wealth is never a factor.
How much will it cost my family to donate my tissue and organs?
There is no cost to the family or estate. All costs incurred from the time of consent are paid by the recovery agency.
I have been told that I can not donate because I have had cancer, is this true?
No, this is not true. At the time of your death your medical history will be reviewed to see if you are a suitable donor.
If I join the Ohio Donor Registry, will that affect the quality of my medical care?
No. Only after all efforts have been exhausted in saving your life and death has been declared by the attending physician will organ and/or tissue recovery take place. The doctors working to save your life in an emergency room or a hospital’s intensive care unit are separate from the medical team that would be involved in the transplant process.
What is the difference between organ and tissue donation?
Your medical condition at the time of death will determine if you can be an organ and/or tissue donor. A person is declared dead when one of two things occurs: 1) Brain death and/or 2) Cardiac/Respiratory arrest. After tests confirm there is no brain activity, a person is declared brain dead. A person declared brain dead is eligible to be an organ and/or tissue donor. If a person dies due to a cardiac/respiratory arrest, where the heart has stopped pumping blood to the organs in the body then this person can be a potential tissue and eye donor. For example, if a person dies at the scene of a car accident, then this person can be a potential tissue and eye donor and not an organ donor because his heart has already stopped. Some tissues can be recovered up to 24 hours after the time of death.
What organs and tissues can be donated?
Many organs and tissues can be donated including:
• Heart
• Liver
• Kidneys
• Lungs
• Pancreas
• Intestine
• Corneas
• Skin
• Tendons
• Ligaments
• Vessels
• Heart valves
• Middle ear bones
Who can be an organ and tissue donor?
Infants to the elderly can be considered potential donors. No one should eliminate themselves as a donor because of age or pre-existing medical condition. Each potential organ and tissue donor is evaluated on an individual basis for suitability.
Why is it important to make sure your family is aware of your decision to donate?
Sharing your decision to become a donor is just as important as making the decision. Joining the Ohio Donor Registry is more than just an expression of interest in becoming a donor. It is consent for organ, tissue and eye donation upon your death. Losing a loved one is an emotional time for family members. If they are aware of your decision it will avoid confusion and they will be comforted that your wishes are being carried out. It’s also important to tell family members about your decision because a medical and social history is needed at the time of death and the next-of-kin is approached for that information.
| 
