In the United States alone, there are almost 123,000 people who are still waiting for organ donation. For every 12 minutes, an average of one person is being enlisted. This is in the waiting list alone. Most of the said individuals are in need liver, heart or kidney. Do not get this wrong because there are still other organs which may be donated. These are just some organ donor facts that should be learned by many.

For every year, there are almost 6,500 people who die prior to obtaining the organ they are requesting for. Well, this occurs because there is only a very short supply of organ. This is one of the problems. For most occurrences, the organ is only from a deceased donor. Having to donate one is going to take place as an organ donor card is filled out. This is possible through a driver’s license. This is a way to agree to the donation consequences. There is a possibility to die in this procedure and this too will be included in the said document that has to be completed.

A small percentage of the donated organs are being offered by healthy people. There are almost 6,000 transplants which are originated from living donors. This is performed annually.

If you are wondering about organ donation, the first thing you have to do is fill out the aforementioned donor card. This should be done regardless of how the donor is. It does not matter whether it is a friend or a relative. You should accomplish that first. What are the considerations you have to weigh prior to pursuing the idea? Ponder on these.

The truth about organ donation

There are questions that have to be asked when it comes to organ donation. Start with this – who is allowed to donate an organ? With this, the answer is anyone. As much as possible though, the person should not be younger than 18. If by any chance this cannot be avoided, it is acceptable provided that there is a parental consent given. This has to be presented primarily.

If by any chance, the organ donation will be undertaken after the person’s death, it is necessary to go through a medical assessment first. This is a way to determine what organs are still okay for donation. Of course, there are conditions which may be of exemption. Among these are cancer, HIV and infections. Indeed, it is vital to go through the test first.

Living donors on the other hand may be prohibited in the donation if they have illness too such as HIV, diabetes, cancer or kidney disease.

Needless to say, donation may happen if the tissue and the blood type of the recipients are a perfect match. It will be the transplant team responsible in putting the candidate through a number of tests. This is a way to determine if the blood and tissue of the donor is matching with that of the recipient. This is important.