More than
half of the American population says they would consider being an organ
donor. Approximately 22% of all people
with a driver's license have indicated they are an organ donor on their
license.
Facts about Organ Donation
Around
120,000 people in the United States are currently on the waiting list for a
lifesaving organ transplant.
Another
name is added to the national transplant waiting list every 10 minutes.
On average,
22 people die every day from the lack of organs for transplant.
One
deceased donor can save up to eight lives through organ donation.
- Organ recipients are selected based primarily on medical need, location and compatibility.
- Over 650,000 transplants have occurred in the U.S. since the late 80’s.
- The cornea is the most commonly transplanted tissues.
- A healthy person can become a ‘living donor’ by donating a kidney, or a part of the liver, lung, intestine, blood or bone marrow.
- About 5,000 living donations occur each year. One in four donors is not biologically related to the recipient.
- The buying and selling of human organs are not allowed for transplants in America, but it is allowed for research purposes.
- Liver and kidney disease kills over 120,000 each year, more people than Alzheimer’s, breast cancer, or prostate cancer.
Working with Families of Organ Donors
It's never
easy to lose a love one. Then to be hit
by the decision on donating organs can be overwhelming. In many cases this decision is predetermined the
patient themselves through legal documentation.
If it's not predetermined, then the decision goes to the family. Many people are very unsure when it comes to
releasing their loved one's body to donate.
There are many questions, and there should be answers to those questions
in the form of papers of a pamphlet. The
families can read the information, and then make their decision based on the
information, however, they may have additional question, and it helps to have
the answers. The main thing that always
seems appropriate to say is what the passing family member would want.
Grief and
bereavement counseling should be available to the deceased patient's family
member. It can be difficult in the
beginning, knowing that a part of your loved one lives on in someone else. In most states, organ donation is private,
and the donor or recipient information not available to the other party or
their family. There can be exceptions to
these rules, however, always make sure it is in writing prior to disclosing.
Living Organ Donation
- Living Related Donation: The living donor is biologically related to the recipient, such as a parent, child, brother or sister.
- Living Unrelated Donation: The living donor is emotionally related to the recipient, such as a good friend, spouse, or in-law.
- Non-directed or altruistic donation: These individuals donate to an anonymous candidate on the waiting list. Some donors may eventually meet the transplant candidates, but only if both parties agree.
Living
donors are usually between 18 and 60 years of age and are often close relatives
of the intended recipient. However, acceptable ages may vary by transplant
center and the health of the donor candidate.
The
prospective donor must have a compatible blood type, and in the case of kidney
donation, tissue type, as determined by lab tests of the donor and recipient.
The donor
candidate is carefully evaluated by lab tests, a physical examination, and a
psychosocial examination to ensure that the candidate is healthy enough to
donate and that he or she is making an informed decision. The decision about
whether to accept the donor is then made by the health care team at the
transplant center.
What organs can be donated?
The most
common kinds of living donation are living kidney donation and living liver
donation. Kidneys and livers are the organs most in need.
Types of Living Organ Donation
Most common:
- Kidney (entire organ)
- Liver (segment)
Tested and successful:
- Lung (lobe)
Rare:
- Intestine (portion)
- Pancreas (portion)
People can
also become living donors by donating blood or bone marrow, and, in some
instances, nerves or skin.
Benefits of Relative Organ Donation
- Quality of life: Transplants can greatly improve a recipient’s health and quality of life, allowing them to return to normal activities. They can spend more time with family and friends, be physically active, and pursue their interests.
- Shorter waiting time: Due to the lack of organs available for transplant, patients on the national transplant waiting list often face a long wait (sometimes several years) before they are able to receive a transplant from a deceased donor. Patients who find a suitable living donor do not have to wait on the list.
- Better results: Transplant candidates generally have better results when they receive organs from living donors as compared to organs from deceased donors. Often, transplant organs (called grafts) from living donors have greater longevity than those from deceased donors. Also, better genetic matches between living donors and candidates may lessen the risk of rejection.
- Kidneys and Livers Functions Immediately: A kidney or liver from a living donor usually functions immediately in the recipient. (In uncommon cases, some kidneys from deceased donors do not work immediately, and as a result, the patient may require dialysis until the kidney starts to function.)
Many people
are alive today thanks to organ donation.
Related: List of nursing organizations
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