Donation Education

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between tissue and organs?

The body's tissues include bone, skin, heart valves, connective tissue and veins. Organs include the heart, lungs, kidneys, intestines, pancreas and liver.

How do I designate that I want to be a tissue donor?

Making the commitment to donate differs from state to state. Visit Donate Life America (www.shareyourlife.org) and click on your state to find out how to become a donor

Why is it important for me to talk about donation with my family?

Because family members make the final decision about donation. Talking about donation does not mean talking about death. It is talking about the opportunity to help others and to make sure that your family understands your wishes.

Are there any costs to the family for donation?

There is no cost to donor families for tissue donation. Families should only pay for the medical care provided to the donor before death and for the donor's funeral expenses.

Will donation affect funeral arrangements?

No. Donation does not interfere with funeral or burial arrangements, including open casket services. Families are encouraged to discuss tissue donation with their funeral directors.

What role do hospital or health care professionals play in the decision to donate?

Hospitals must offer families the option of donation and work with them to honor their decision.

Can I specify only certain tissues for donation?

Yes. Specific tissues may be donated and others excluded, depending on the wishes of the donor or the donor's family.

Are there age restrictions to tissue donation?

No. The gift of life can be given at any age. The donor's general health and physical condition are taken into consideration, and tissue from any donor is tested and evaluated to determine its usability.

Does the religious community support donation?

Most religions support donation as a compassionate expression of generosity and love. During National Donor Sabbath, observed each November, religious leaders discuss donation in sermons and classes.

Can people sell their tissue?

No. The National Organ Transplant Act makes it illegal to sell human organs and tissues. Among the reasons for this rule is the concern of the U.S. Congress that the practice might lead to unfair access to donor organs and tissue by the wealthy. The law does allow recovery organizations to charge reasonable fees to cover costs incurred in the tissue recovery process.

What if a person is found to be medically unsuitable to donate tissue for transplant?

Donation for research or education are additional options. Universities, medical centers and biotechnology companies are in need of human cells, tissues and organs. Research and education are instrumental in promoting scientific advances and improving patient care in many medical fields including biochemistry, cardiology, ophthalmology and transplantation.