Donation Education

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between tissue and organs?

The body's tissues include bone, skin, heart valves, connective tissue and veins. Organs include the heart, lungs, kidneys, intestines, pancreas and liver.

How can I become a tissue donor?

Making the commitment to donate differs from state to state. Visit Donate Life America and click on your state to find out how to become a donor

Why is it important for me to talk about donation with my family?

Talking about donation does not mean talking about death. It is talking about the opportunity to help others and to make sure that your family understands your wishes.

Are there any costs to the family for donation?

There is no cost to donor families for tissue donation. Families should only pay for the medical care provided to the donor before death and for the donor's funeral expenses.

Will donation affect funeral arrangements?

No. Donation does not interfere with funeral or burial arrangements, including open casket services. Families are encouraged to discuss tissue donation with their funeral directors.

What role do hospital or health care professionals play in the decision to donate?

Hospitals must offer families the option of donation and work with them to honor their decision.

Can I specify only certain tissues for donation?

Yes. Specific tissues may be donated and others excluded, depending on the wishes of the donor or the donor's family. Visit Donate Life America to learn how to designate your wishes in your state.

Who can be a donor?

Anyone should consider themselves a potential donor regardless of age, race or medical history. Donation potential will only be determined after or upon imminent death, and with confirmed consent. Organ and tissue donation is not dependent on race or ethnicity. A patient can receive organs and tissue from a donor of another race.

Do celebrities get preferential treatment in receiving a transplant?

No. Celebrity and financial status are not considered when determining who will get a lifesaving transplant. Rather blood type, the severity of one's illness, time spent waiting and other medical information are determining factors.

If a patient is ill or unconscious and admitted to the hospital, will medical professionals still attempt to save his or her life if they know that patient wants to be a donor?

Absolutely. The number one priority is to save a patient’s life. Donation is only considered once all life-saving efforts have been exhausted.

Does the religious community support donation?

Most religions support donation as a compassionate expression of generosity and love. During National Donor Sabbath, observed each November, religious leaders discuss donation in sermons and classes.

Can people sell their tissue?

No. The National Organ Transplant Act makes it illegal to sell human organs and tissues. Among the reasons for this rule is the concern of the U.S. Congress that the practice might lead to unfair access to donor organs and tissue by the wealthy. The law does allow recovery organizations to charge reasonable fees to cover costs incurred in the tissue recovery process.

What if a person is found to be medically unsuitable to donate tissue for transplant?

Donation for research or education are additional options. Universities, medical centers and biotechnology companies are in need of human cells, tissues and organs. Research and education are instrumental in promoting scientific advances and improving patient care in many medical fields including biochemistry, cardiology, ophthalmology and transplantation.