1. Is there an age limit for organ donation?
2. I have a certain medical illness. Does that mean I can not donate my organs?
3. What organs/tissues can be donated?
4. Would we be told what organs and tissues were used and to whom they were given?
5. Does the donor's family have to pay for the cost of organ donation?
6. What does it mean when you consent to "transplant or transplant research"?
7. What is a living related kidney donation?
8. How long does the organ donation process take?
9. Can a donor still have an open casket funeral?
10. Are there religious objections to organ donations?
11. Would my family member feel any pain if his or her organs were donated?
12. What happens next if we give our permission for organ/tissue donation?
13. How do I express my wishes to become an organ and tissue donor?
14. If I sign a donor card, or indicate my donation preferences on my driver's license, will my wishes be carried out?
15. If I sign a donor card, will it affect the quality of medical care I receive at the hospital?
16. How are organs distributed?
17. Can I be an organ and tissue donor and also donate my body to medical science?

1. Is there an age limit for organ donation?

No, there is no age limit for organ donation. The quality of the organ rather than the chronological age of the organ determines whether it can be transplanted.

2. I have a certain medical illness. Does that mean I can not donate my organs?

No, it does not always preclude someone from becoming a donor. A medical team does a thorough examination of every potential donor to determine what organs can be used for transplant.

3. What organs/tissues can be donated?

The heart, liver, lungs, pancreas, kidneys, small bowel, heart valves, cornea, tissues, bones, skin, tendons and ligaments can be donated.

4. Would we be told what organs and tissues were used and to whom they were given?

Our local procurement agency sends out a letter to the donor family telling what organs were used, the age and perhaps a little about the person receiving them. Often recipients will write letters of thanks to the donor families. Names are kept confidential and are not given to the donor or recipient families.

No. The donor's family neither pays for, nor receives payment for organ and tissue donation. All costs related to donation are paid for by the organ procurement program or transplant center. Hospital expenses incurred before the donation of organs and funeral expenses remain the responsibility of the donor's family.

If an organ cannot be used for transplant, it can be used for any transplant related research taking place at the time of your death.

An individual with two healthy kidneys can potentially donate one of their kidneys to a family member or to someone who is emotionally related such as a spouse or close family friend. The donor can live a normal life with one healthy kidney.

The organ donation process takes approximately 24 hours. After that point, the body is released back to the family for funeral arrangements.

9. Can a donor still have an open casket funeral?

Yes. Organs are always carefully removed and incisions closed by a surgical team. The body is at all times treated with the utmost respect.

Most religions throughout the world support organ/tissue donation as a humanitarian act. You are encouraged to discuss this with your own minister, priest, rabbi or hospital chaplain.

No, the person is dead and no longer feels pain.

The family has the opportunity to say their farewells. The organ procurement team evaluates the patient as a donor and blood samples are taken for the matching process. When recipients are located, organs/tissues are removed by a team of surgeons and a specialist trained in organ recovery. The body is prepared for the funeral home or your choice. Donation of organs/tissues should not cause a delay of funeral arrangements.

Indicate your intent to be an organ and tissue donor on your driver's license. Carry an organ donor card. Most importantly, discuss your decision with family members and loved ones.

Even if you sign a donor card it is essential that your family knows your wishes. Your family will be asked to sign a consent form in order for your donation to occur.

No! Every effort is made to save your life before donation is considered.

Patients are matched to organs based on a number of factors including blood and tissue typing, medical urgency, time on the waiting list, and geographical location.

Total body donation is an option, but not if you choose to be an organ and tissue donor. If you wish to donate your entire body, you should directly contact the facility of your choice to make arrangements. Medical schools, research facilities and other agencies need to study bodies to gain greater understanding of disease mechanisms in humans. This research is vital to saving and improving lives.