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| Core Messages |
| Facts About The Ohio Donor Registry |
| Frequently Asked Questions |
| Informed Consent |
| Misconceptions About Organ Donation |
| The Ohio Donor Registry |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between organ and tissue donation?
Your medical condition at the time of death will determine if you can be an organ and/or tissue donor. A person is declared dead when one of two things occurs:
1) Brain death and/or 2) Cardiac/respiratory arrest.
Organ donation includes:
Infants to the elderly can be considered potential donors. No one should eliminate themselves as a donor because of age or pre-existing medical condition. Each potential organ and tissue donor is evaluated on an individual basis for suitability
Why is it important to make sure your family is aware of your decision to donate?
Sharing your decision to become a donor is just as important as making the decision. Joining the Ohio Donor Registry is more than just an expression of interest in becoming a donor. It is consent for organ, tissue and eye donation upon your death. Losing a loved one is an emotional time for family members. If they are aware of your decision, it will avoid confusion and they will be comforted that your wishes are being carried out. It's also important to tell family members about your decision because a medical and social history is needed at the time of death and the next-of-kin is approached for that information.
Will your family be paid for the recovery of my organs and tissue?
No. Donor families do not receive payment for organ and tissue donation. In the United States, it is illegal to sell human organs or tissue.
Will your family know who gets your organs and tissue?
No. Confidentiality is provided both for the donor families and the recipients. The recovery agency can act as a liaison if the recipient wishes to correspond anonymously with the donor family, or vice versa. It is only after extended anonymous communication, and the agreement of both parties, that the names are released.
What is the difference between organ and tissue donation?
Your medical condition at the time of death will determine if you can be an organ and/or tissue donor. A person is declared dead when one of two things occurs:
1) Brain death and/or 2) Cardiac/respiratory arrest.
- After tests confirm there is no brain activity, a person is declared brain dead. A person declared brain dead is eligible to be an organ and/or tissue donor.
- If a person dies due to a cardiac/respiratory arrest, where the heart has stopped pumping blood to the organs in the body, then this person can be a potential tissue and eye donor. For example, if a person dies at the scene of a car accident, then this person can be a potential tissue and eye donor and not an organ donor because his heart has already stopped. Some tissues can be recovered up to 24 hours after the time of death.
Organ donation includes:
- Heart
- Liver
- Kidneys
- Lungs
- Pancreas
- Small Intestine
- Corneas
- Skin
- Bone
- Tendons
- Ligaments
- Vessels
- Heart valves
Infants to the elderly can be considered potential donors. No one should eliminate themselves as a donor because of age or pre-existing medical condition. Each potential organ and tissue donor is evaluated on an individual basis for suitability
Why is it important to make sure your family is aware of your decision to donate?
Sharing your decision to become a donor is just as important as making the decision. Joining the Ohio Donor Registry is more than just an expression of interest in becoming a donor. It is consent for organ, tissue and eye donation upon your death. Losing a loved one is an emotional time for family members. If they are aware of your decision, it will avoid confusion and they will be comforted that your wishes are being carried out. It's also important to tell family members about your decision because a medical and social history is needed at the time of death and the next-of-kin is approached for that information.
Will your family be paid for the recovery of my organs and tissue?
No. Donor families do not receive payment for organ and tissue donation. In the United States, it is illegal to sell human organs or tissue.
Will your family know who gets your organs and tissue?
No. Confidentiality is provided both for the donor families and the recipients. The recovery agency can act as a liaison if the recipient wishes to correspond anonymously with the donor family, or vice versa. It is only after extended anonymous communication, and the agreement of both parties, that the names are released.
