Topping The List--Top 10 Misconceptions About Organ
Donation
1. I do not want my body mutilated.
Donated organs are removed surgically, in a routine operation
similar to gallbladder or appendix removal. Normal funeral
arrangements are possible.
2. My family would be expected to pay for donating my
organs.
A donor's family is not charged for donation. If a family believes
it has been billed incorrectly, the family immediately should
contact its local organ procurement organization.
3. I might want to donate one organ, but I do not want to donate
everything.
You may specify what organs you want donated. Your wishes will be
followed.
4. If I am in an accident and the hospital knows that I want to
be a donor, the doctors will not try to save my life.
The medical team treating you is separate from the transplant team.
The organ procurement organization (OPO) is not notified until all
lifesaving efforts have failed and death has been determined. The
OPO does not notify the transplant team until your family has
consented to donation.
5. I am not the right age for donation.
Organs may be donated from someone as young as a newborn. Age
limits for organ donation no longer exist; however, the general age
limit for tissue donation is 70.
6. If I donate, I would worry that the recipient and/or the
recipient's family would discover my identity and cause more grief
for my family.
Information about the donor is released by the OPO to the
recipients only if the family that donated requests that it be
provided.
7. My religion does not support donation.
All organized religions support donation, typically considering it
a generous act that is the individual's choice.
8. Only heart, liver and kidneys can be transplanted.
The pancreas, lungs, small and large intestines, and the stomach
also can be transplanted.
9. Wealthy people are the only people who receive
transplants.
Anyone requiring a transplant is eligible for one. Arrangements can
be made with the transplant hospital for individuals requiring
financial assistance.
10. I have a history of medical illness. You would not want my
organs or tissues.
At the time of death, the OPO will review medical and social
histories to determine donor suitability on a case-by-case
basis.
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