Are there any people who can't donate organs?
Virtually all people of all ages are potential donors. However, organs and tissues are generally not considered for donation if the person has died from cancer or an infectious disease. Organs and tissues are tested for infectious diseases, including hepatitis, AIDS and other viral infections before they are actually transplanted. However, certain cancer patients can donate corneas.

What types of organs and tissues can be transplanted?
Heart, kidneys, liver, lungs, pancreas and small intestine are the organs which can be transplanted; bone, corneas, heart valves, skin, tendons and ligaments are among the tissues.

Do issues such as race or wealth affect the availability of or access to an organ transplant?
No. The United Network for Organ Sharing matches donated organs with critically ill patients on the national waiting list. Medical urgency, issues of compatibility such as blood type, tissue match and body size are considerations in determining who receives a transplant. Race or wealth are never an issue, and buying or selling organs is against the law.

What is the difference between "brain death" and "cardiac death" and how does it affect donation?
Organs are recovered only after "brain death," which is when brain function has permanently stopped. Brain death is not the same as coma. No one has ever regained consciousness from or survived brain death. Brain death occurs in about one out of 100 hospital deaths. Only persons declared brain dead can donate organs. Tissues are recovered after either brain death or cardiac death (when the heart stops beating). In no cases are organs or tissues donated until the donor has been declared legally dead.

How are donated organs and tissues recovered?
Upon death, and the consent of the family, a trained surgical team first removes the organs and then tissues in a hospital operating room. Generally, the same surgical care is taken as in an operation on a live person. The body is treated with a high degree of respect and care.

What will happen to the organs I donate?
Organs and tissues from a single person can extend and improve the lives of up to 100 people. A national system ensures that organs are equitably distributed.

What steps must I take to become an organ and tissue donor?
You simply indicate your desire to be an organ and tissue donor on a signed donor card, driver's license or other legal document. Most important, discuss this decision with your family so that they know to honor your wish to give the gift of life when the time comes.

Are there any religious objections to organ and tissue donation?
Most religions endorse donation as a gift of life to fellow human beings. Donation is widely accepted by Christians, Jews, Muslims, and Buddhists. If you have more specific questions, contact your religious advisor.

The glossary provided at www.organtransplants.org lists many terms that patients, their families, and people interested in educating themselves about organ donation will find useful. The same site features an interactive "body" showing which organs can be transplanted and how they function.