Q&A

Transplants are one of the most miraculous achievements of modern medicine. But they depend entirely on the generosity of donors and their families who are willing to make this life-saving or life-enhancing gift to others.

One donor can save the life of several people, restore the sight of two others and improve the quality of life of many more. The more people who pledge to donate their organs and tissue after their death, the more people stand to benefit. By choosing to join the NHS Organ Donor Register you could help to make sure life goes on for many others.

Joining the register records your agreement to the use of your organs and tissue for transplantation after your death.

When you register it is important that you tell those closest to you about your decision.

To decide whether or not you wish to become a donor after you have died is something very personal and it is important that everyone makes their own decision. This booklet contains answers to the most commonly asked questions about organ and tissue donation and aims to resolve any doubts you might have about leaving a legacy of life for others after you die.

Questions

To read the answer to a particular question click on the question.

1. What is organ donation?
2. When were the first organ transplants?
3. What organs can be transplanted?

4. What is tissue donation?
5. Does joining the NHS Organ Donor Register mean I am agreeing to donate my face or limbs for transplant?

6. Why are even more donors needed?
7. How do they know you are really dead?
8. Can they keep you alive with machines?

9. Will they just let you die if they know you want to be a donor?
10. Can I donate if I die in the emergency department?

11. Can you donate an organ while you are still alive?
12. Why do I need to make a decision about whether to become a donor?
13. What is the NHS Organ Donor Register?
14. Do I need to register if I have a donor card?
15. Will my name and address be given to other organisations?
16. I'm not sure if I've already registered, what should I do?

17. Who would get my organs and tissue if I became a donor?
18. Are donors screened to identify if they have a transmissible disease?

19. Can I be a donor if I have an existing medical condition?
20. Can I be a donor if I have been turned down to donate blood?
21. Can a child donate after their death?
22. Is there a minimum age to join the NHS Organ Donor Register?

23. What happens if my parents registered me when I was too young to know?

24. Can older people be donors?
25. Are there religious objections to organ and tissue donation?
26. Does the colour of my skin make a difference?
27. If someone desperately needs an organ, is there any point in making a special appeal?
28. Can I agree to donate some organs or tissue and not others?

29. Can I agree to donate to some people and not to others?
30. Could my donated organs and tissue go to a private patient?
31. Does being a donor cause delays to funeral arrangements?

32. Could any of my organs or tissue be given to someone in another country?
33. Does donation leave the body disfigured?
34. Is it possible to see the body after donation?
35. Does a donor's family have to pay the cost of donation?

36. Will the NHS pay the cost of the funeral?

37. My relative wants to be a donor. What do I need to do when they die?
38. Will organs or tissue that are removed for transplant be used for research purposes?
39. How is organ donation different from organ retention?

40. Can I leave my body for medical education or research after I have donated my organs?
41. Would a donor's family ever know who the recipient was?

42. Why should I discuss my wishes with my relatives?
43. What will happen if my relatives object?
44. What if I have no family or other relatives?
45. What is a qualifying relationship?
46. Should I put my wishes in my will?
47. Can I change my mind?

48. Can a deceased person donate sperm or eggs for future use?
49. Can people buy or sell organs?

50. I am interested in giving blood, what do I do?
51. I am interested in donating bone marrow, what do I do?

52. How is transplantation organised?
53. Who are Transplant Co-ordinators?

Courtesy of UK Transplant