THINGS TO KNOW
- In most cases, all organs are designated for transplant to a specific recipient before being recovered. In some cases, with family authorization, organs can be placed for research.
- Organs can be recovered only after authorization, either first-person or next-of-kin, has been obtained and the donor is deceased.
- For donors less than 18 years old, authorization from the parents must be obtained even if the potential donor is listed on the donor registry. Also, if a person is over the age of 18 but designated themselves as a donor BEFORE they turned 18, authorization must be obtained by the parents.
- The OPTN prohibits the attending physician or the physician who declares the time of the potential donor’s death from recovering the organs .
- The transplant surgeon performing the recovery or the medical examiner (if relevant) will conduct a final evaluation before organs are recovered.
- Generally, hearts and lungs are recovered first, then abdominal organs, cornea, and tissue.
- Although specific processes in organ recovery may vary according to a specific OPO, all organs are recovered using standard surgical techniques in a sterile environment.
- CORE maintains detailed operative notes on the recovery procedure.
- The organs are placed in sterile packaging and transported to the recipient’s transplant hospital.
- At the conclusion of organ, cornea and tissue procurement, the donor case is concluded and the body can be released to the funeral home.