Organ Donation

Summary

Organ donation takes healthy organs and tissues from one person for transplantation into another. Experts say that the organs from one donor can save or help as many as 50 people. Organs you can donate include:

• Internal organs: Kidneys, heart, liver, pancreas, intestines, lungs
• Skin
• Bone and bone marrow
• Cornea

Most organ and tissue donations occur after the donor has died. But some organs and tissues can be donated while the donor is alive.

People of all ages and background can be organ donors. If you are under age 18, your parent or guardian must give you permission to become a donor. If you are 18 or older you can show you want to be a donor by signing a donor card. You should also let your family know your wishes.

Health Resources and Services Administration

Specifics

• Being a Living Donor: Risks United Network for Organ Sharing

Related Issues

• Can I Donate My Organs If I’ve Had Cancer? American Cancer Society
• How Organ Donation Works Health Resources and Services Administration
• How You Can Help Medical Research: Donating Your Blood, Tissue, and Other Samples National Cancer Institute
• Organ Donation: Don’t Let These Myths Confuse You Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research
• Organ Type and Waiting Time United Network for Organ Sharing

Clinical Trials

• ClinicalTrials.gov: Living Donors National Institutes of Health
• ClinicalTrials.gov: Tissue Donors National Institutes of Health
• ClinicalTrials.gov: Unrelated Donors National Institutes of Health

Older Adults

• Organ Donation — You’re Never Too Old to Make a Difference National Institute on Aging

Statistics and Research

• Organ Donation and Transplantation Statistics National Kidney Foundation

Start Here

• Organ Donation FAQ Health Resources and Services Administration
• Who Can Donate? Health Resources and Services Administration

Reference Desk

• Organ Facts and Surgeries United Network for Organ Sharing

Journal Articles

• Organ Donation