Organ Donation
Organ donation is the removal of specific organs and tissues from a person who has recently died, or from a living donor, for the purpose of transplanting or grafting them into other persons. Organs and tissues are removed in procedures similar to surgery, and all incisions are closed at the conclusion of the surgery. People of all ages may be organ and tissue donors. Organs which can be donated include: heart, intestines, kidneys, lungs, liver, and pancreas.
There is no cost to the family for organ donation after death of the patient is certified, and all donations are anonymous.
There are many ways to become an organ donor:
- Declare your wish on your driver's license.
- Join the donor registry if your state has one.
- Include donation in your advance directives, will, and living will.
- Tell your family.
- They can be your advocate should you become a donor candidate.
- Tell your physician, faith leader, and friends.
- Complete a donor card and carry it in your wallet.
There are three different types of organ harvesting
- Organ harvesting from a brain dead donor (Cadaver)
- Organ harvesting from donor with beating heart
- Organ harvesting from a living donor. rhttp://www.transplantliving.org/livingdonation
Donor Card from US government:
Organ Donor Cards
Frequently asked questions about donation:
http://organdonor.gov/
http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/organ-donation/FL00078
References:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Organ_Donation
http://organdonor.gov/