Important information about organ and tissue donation that you need to know
Important information about organ and tissue donation that you need to know
Who can be an organ / tissue donor ? Any person who is in good health and is clear of
the recipient , will be considered as a possible donor .
Is there any cost involved in signing up as an organ or tissue donor ? No , it costs nothing to sign up as an organ / tissue donor .
What is the difference between organ and tissue donation ? An organ donation takes place after an individual has been declared brain dead , but is still being supported on a ventilator , whereas tissue retrieval can still take place several hours and even days after death .
FACTS ABOUT ORGAN DONATION
Which organs can be transplanted ? Your heart , liver and pancreas can save 3 lives and your kidneys and lungs can save up to 4 people . You can save 7 lives .
Can I donate an organ while I am alive ?
is an elective donor where the donation takes place between family members because the blood groups and tissue types are more compatible to ensure a higher success rate . The second type is an altruistic donor where the donor and recipient are strangers and both parties never know who the other is .
Which organs can I donate while alive ? You can donate a kidney or partial liver .
FACTS ABOUT TISSUE DONATION
Which tissue can be transplanted ? You can help up to 50 people by donating your corneas , skin , bone , tendons and heart valves .
How do tissue transplants improve lives ? Donated bone and tendons can prevent amputation , restore mobility and reduce pain . This type of donation also enhances fracture healing , replaces torn ligaments and is used to repair spinal deformities . Donated heart valves can save a life by improving heart function . Donated cornea replaces a diseased cornea , restores vision and prevents blindness . Donated skin is used to help burn victims by preventing infection , promoting healing and reducing scarring .
Are tissue transplants common ? Bone tissue transplants are the second most common transplants performed on patients , second only to blood transfusions . Many thousands of patients receive allograft tissue every year , most of which comes from non-living donors whose loved ones consented to donation .
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Can I donate tissue while I am alive ? Yes , at the time of hip replacement surgery you can donate the femoral head , which would normally be discarded . Donated femoral heads are used to treat bone cancer , repair bone defects during surgery , can be turned into bone products and act as a reconstructive graft for both adults and children .
GENERAL FACTS
Can I agree to donate only some organs or tissue and not others ? Yes . Please inform your family which organs / tissue you do not wish to donate .
Will I know who receives my loved one ’ s organs / tissue ? For privacy and legislative reasons , donors and
Does my family pay for the cost of donation ? No , the donor and his / her family will not incur any costs . The hospital or Tissue Bank will cover all medical expenses from the moment your family has given consent for the donation of organs / tissue .
Would my family receive compensation for donating my organs / tissue ? No . Organ / tissue donation is a gift .
How do doctors know I am really dead ? Two doctors , who are completely independent of the transplant team , are mandated by law to perform detailed tests before a person can be declared brain dead . The criteria for brain death is very strictly adhered to and accepted medically , legally and ethically in South Africa and internationally .
Does being a donor delay the funeral ? No . As soon as the donated organs / tissue has been removed , the body is returned to the family to bury or cremate .
Does organ / tissue donation leave my body disfigured ? No . The utmost respect and dignity is given to the donor at all times . The recovery of organs and tissue is carried out with great care by surgeons and trained
body looks .
Are there religious objections to transplantation ? Most religions support organ and tissue donation , as it is consistent with life preservation . If unsure , you should talk to your spiritual leader .
Can I change my mind ? Yes . You can change your mind at any time . Simply throw away your organ donor card and remove the sticker from your ID document and driver ’ s license . Please also inform your family that you no longer wish to be an organ and tissue donor .