Knowing the facts dispel any myths about organ donation

Maybe you’re wondering, "should I be an organ donor?" or "what is the difference between a tissue and an organ?" The tissue donation process may seem overwhelming, but we are commited to bringing you expert information. These facts will answer some common questions explaining what is tissue donation.

Tissue Donation Facts

• Tissue donation can greatly enhance a recipient's quality of life.
• There is a difference between organ and tissue donation.
• Organs are kidneys, lungs, and intestines, as well as the heart, pancreas, and liver.
• Tissues that can be donated include heart valves, bones, connective tissue, skin, and veins. These tissues can be recovered up to 24 hours after a death has occurred.
• A deceased tissue donor has died a biological death, meaning the person's heart and lungs have permanently stopped functioning.
• For an organ donation to occur, the potential donor must be in a hospital on a ventilator and have been declared deceased due to loss of brain or cardiac function.
• An estimated 24,000 people are declared brain dead each year. Only 2-3 percent of all deaths meet the criteria for organ donation, much like donating a kidney. This should help answer the question, "why is organ donation important?"
• Each year, there are about 20,000 tissue donors. Nearly a million tissue transplant surgeries are performed every year in the United States. It is estimated that one in 20 Americans will need some type of tissue transplant.
• One tissue donor may enhance the lives of more than 75 recipients.
• Donated bone is used for reconstruction procedures and in oral surgery. Donated heart valves provide recipients with increased heart function. And donated skin benefits burn patients and helps prevent infection.
• Skilled professionals surgically recover tissue under aseptic conditions.
• Anyone, regardless of age, is a potential allograft donor. Older people comprise the largest single group of transplant recipients.
• What is an allograft? -a tissue graft from a same species donor, but not genetically identical to the recipient.
• There is no charge to the family for donations. Funeral costs remain the family's responsibility.
• Donation should not interfere with customary funeral practices such as open casket services.
• Most religions endorse donation as a charitable act.
• Under federal law, hospitals must offer the option of donation to families of potential donors.
• The National Organ Transplant Act makes it illegal to sell human organs and tissues. The law permits agencies to charge reasonable fees for the cost of recovery.

Learn on our How Tissue Is Used page about how tissue donations are used.