A federal regulation was enacted in 1998 requiring facilities to report all deaths to the regional organ procurement organization. The regulation was enacted so that no potential donor is missed and ensures that the family of every potential donor will understand the option to donate. According to the American Medical Association, about 25 kinds of organs and tissues are being transplanted. Although donor organ requirements vary, the typical donor's age must be between a neonate and age 60 years and be free from transmissible disease. Tissue donations are less restrictive, and some tissue banks will accept skin from donors up to age 75.
Collection of most organs, such as the heart, liver, kidney, or pancreas, requires that the patient be pronounced brain dead and kept physically alive until the organs are harvested. Tissue such as eyes, skin, bone, and heart valves may be taken after death. Contact your regional organ procurement organization for specific organ donation criteria or to identify a potential donor. If you don't know the regional organ procurement organization in your area, call the United Network for Organ Sharing at (804) 330-8500.
