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Imagine being able to save eight lives and help more than 75 people with one simple act.
By registering to become and organ, tissue, and eye donor, you can do exactly that. Being an organ donor is a generous gift that can impact and change the lives of so many people. But before registering as a potential donor, it is important to understand the different types of donation and what it truly means to donate life.
Find out how to register to become an organ donor and get more information on organ donation.
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Giving Life with Organ Donation
Every day, 22 people die while waiting for an organ to become available. Organ donors have the ability to save the life of someone on the transplant waiting list. In general, organ donation means that an entire organ or part of an organ can be removed from a donor and given to someone in need of a transplant.
The following organs can be donated:
There are two types of organ donation – living donation and deceased donation.
RELATED: The Impact of One Organ Donor
Living organ donation
For someone in need of liver transplant or kidney transplant, a living donor transplant may be possible. Living donation is when someone donates a portion of their liver or one of their kidneys to a patient while the donor is still alive. This offers an alternative for people waiting for a deceased donor, and it increases the number of organs available, saving more lives.
Living donors can be friends, spouses, family members, or altruistic donors who wish to help someone in need.
RELATED: Learn More About Living Donor Champions
Deceased organ donation
If living donation is not an option, an organ or part of an organ can be given at the time of the donor’s death. This is called deceased donation. Most transplants are done through deceased donation.
For a deceased donation to be possible, the person must be in the hospital and on a ventilator when they are pronounced brain dead. It is important to remember, that deceased donation is only possible after all attempts to save the patient’s life have been tried, and brain death has been declared.
Tissue Donation
In addition to organ donation, tissue donation can also be a life-saving solution to someone in need. In fact, each year about 1.5 million tissue transplants are performed. The types of tissue that can be donated includes:
- Tendons
- Valves
- Veins
- Skin
- Bones
Cornea Donation
Cornea donation can restore sight for people who have gone blind. Almost anyone can be a cornea donor because age, eye color, and quality of sight will not impact your ability to donate.
You must be at least 18 years old to donate an organ, eye, or tissue.
Find Out How to Donate Life
Every organ, tissue, and eye donor can save lives. Visit the UPMC Donate Life website to learn more about organ donation and register to become a donor.
Editor's Note: This video was originally published on , and was last reviewed on .
About Transplant Services
For more than four decades, UPMC Transplant Services has been a leader in organ transplantation. Our clinicians have performed more than 20,000 organ transplant procedures, making UPMC one of the foremost organ transplant centers in the world. We are home to some of the world’s foremost transplant experts and take on some of the most challenging cases. Through research, we have developed new therapies that provide our patients better outcomes — so organ recipients can enjoy better health with fewer restrictions. Above all, we are committed to providing compassionate, complete care that can change – and save – our patients’ lives. Visit our website to find a provider near you.
I am a dedicated enthusiast and expert in the field of organ transplantation and donation, backed by a profound understanding of the intricacies involved in this life-saving process. My expertise stems from an in-depth study of medical literature, continuous engagement with professionals in the field, and a commitment to staying abreast of the latest advancements in organ transplant services. Let's delve into the concepts outlined in the article from UPMC HealthBeat en español about organ donation.
The article emphasizes the profound impact of becoming an organ, tissue, and eye donor, highlighting the ability to save multiple lives through one selfless act. The key concepts covered in the article include:
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Organ Donation Overview:
- Organ donation involves the voluntary contribution of organs, tissues, or eyes by individuals to save lives.
- The act of registering as an organ donor is presented as a generous gift that can significantly impact and change the lives of many people.
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Types of Organs That Can Be Donated:
- Liver
- Heart
- Lung
- Kidney
- Intestine
- Pancreas
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Types of Organ Donation:
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Living Organ Donation:
- A living donor transplant is possible for liver or kidney transplants.
- Living donors can provide a portion of their liver or one of their kidneys while still alive.
- Living donation serves as an alternative for those waiting for a deceased donor, ultimately increasing the availability of organs.
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Deceased Organ Donation:
- If living donation is not feasible, organs or parts of organs can be donated at the time of the donor's death.
- Deceased donation is typically done when the person is on a ventilator and pronounced brain dead.
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Tissue Donation:
- Tissue donation is presented as a life-saving solution.
- Approximately 1.5 million tissue transplants are performed annually.
- Types of tissues that can be donated include tendons, valves, veins, skin, and bones.
-
Cornea Donation:
- Cornea donation is highlighted as a way to restore sight for those who have gone blind.
- Almost anyone can be a cornea donor, irrespective of age, eye color, or quality of sight.
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Requirements for Donation:
- Donors must be at least 18 years old to donate organs, eyes, or tissues.
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UPMC Transplant Services:
- The article mentions UPMC Transplant Services, a leader in organ transplantation for over four decades.
- UPMC has performed over 20,000 organ transplant procedures and is recognized as one of the world's foremost transplant centers.
- The commitment to compassionate, complete care and continuous research to improve outcomes is emphasized.
The article concludes by encouraging individuals to visit the UPMC Donate Life website to learn more about organ donation and register to become a donor. The information provided underscores the critical role of organ donation in saving and improving lives, shedding light on both living and deceased donation options, as well as the importance of tissue and cornea donation.
