HomeHealth TopicsTransplantation DonationOrgan Donation
Back to Transplantation Donation
Organ Donation
Reviewed by Medicinsk Expert•Last updated: 2026-10-22•Transplantation Donation

Organ Donation

Organ donation involves the transfer of healthy organs and tissues from a donor to a recipient, with one donor potentially helping up to 50 people.

Types of Donation

Organ donation takes healthy organs and tissues from one person for transplantation into another. Organs you can donate include:

  • Internal organs: Kidneys, heart, liver, pancreas, intestines, lungs
  • Skin
  • Bone and bone marrow
  • Cornea

Most organ and tissue donations occur after the donor has died, but some organs and tissues can be donated while the donor is alive.

How to Become a Donor

People of all ages and backgrounds can be organ donors. Requirements include:

  • If you are under age 18, your parent or guardian must give you permission to become a donor.
  • If you are 18 or older, you can show you want to be a donor by signing a donor card.
  • You should also let your family know your wishes.

Source: Health Resources and Services Administration

Frequently Asked Questions

Many medical conditions, including well‑controlled hypertension or diabetes, do not automatically disqualify you; transplant teams evaluate each donor’s health, organ function, and infection status on a case‑by‑case basis.
You can register online through your state’s donor registry website, at your local Department of Motor Vehicles when you apply for or renew a driver’s license, or by signing a donor card available from hospitals and many community organizations.
It’s important to tell your loved ones your wishes clearly, discuss any religious or cultural concerns, and provide them with a copy of your donor registration or donor card so they can advocate for you at the time of decision‑making.
Living donors can give one kidney, a portion of their liver, part of the pancreas, bone marrow, or blood stem cells. Risks vary by procedure but generally include anesthesia complications, pain, and a recovery period of several weeks; thorough medical and psychological screening helps minimize these risks.
Source: MedlinePlus, National Library of Medicine

MedlinePlus brings together authoritative health information from the National Library of Medicine (NLM), the National Institutes of Health (NIH), and other government agencies and health-related organizations.

kontakt@hittavard.se

Ⓒ 2024. Alla rättigheter förbehålls av juxt ab

Sök
Om ossVillkor och policyVanliga frågorKontakta oss