Understanding Organ Donation

Organ donation is a process where a person donates their organs for transplant. It can save lives, but only 3 in 1,000 people die in a way that allows for donation.

Organ donations can come from the deceased or living donors. Living donors typically give one kidney or a portion of the liver, lung, pancreas, or intestine.

Most organs are from donors who've experienced brain death. This state, distinct from a coma, means the brain has irreversibly ceased all functions.

Organs are matched by blood type, tissue type, organ size, medical urgency, waiting time, and geographic location. This complex system prioritizes fairness and success.

Post-donation, organs have limited lifespans outside the body: hearts and lungs (4-6 hours), livers (up to 12 hours), and kidneys (up to 48 hours).

Living donors face potential risks, such as complications from surgery and psychological impact. Long-term, they may have increased risk for high blood pressure and kidney disease.

Common myths include beliefs that doctors won't save a donor's life or that the rich skip the waitlist. These misconceptions can hinder donation rates.