Working with families throughout the donation process is one of the most important aspects of a donation case. The family's involvement is crucial in helping to carry out the wishes of their loved one.

The time frame for the donation process will vary from a few hours to, in some cases, 15 or more hours. The following steps will always take place, but the sequence and time frame may vary depending on individual circumstances.

Referral
In the event of a death or imminent death, federal regulations require hospitals to contact the local federally designated organ procurement organization. The hospital calls this non-profit organ and tissue donation agency to discuss the potential donor's medical status and to confirm his or her suitability as a donor.

Honoring a Donor's Wish and Family Communication
Under state regulations, a designation in save7lives.org, on the driver's license, or on a donor card is a legal form of consent for donation. A donor's wish will be honored. A representative from the organ and tissue donation agency discusses the loved one's decision with the family. If the loved one is a minor or if there is no record of a donation decision, the legal next-of-kin consents to donation. A thorough physical exam is conducted and a medical/social history is obtained from the next-of-kin to determine possible medical problems or social behavior that could put a recipient at risk.

Donor Care
A transplant coordinator from the organ and tissue donation agency manages the care of the donor in the hospital. The donor is maintained by artificial means and stabilized with fluids and medications. Tests are conducted to determine which organs are suitable for transplant. Medical information about the donor is sent to the United Network for Organ Sharing (UNOS) for a list of potential recipients. UNOS is the agency that maintains the national transplant waiting list.

Matching Recipients
After receiving a list of "matches" from UNOS, the transplant coordinator calls the transplant center for the patient at the top of the list for each organ. It is up to the patient's transplant surgeon to accept the organ. If declined, the next patient's surgeon is contacted. This process continues until all organs are placed.

more about how the donation process works »