Hearts can last only 4 to 7 hours, kidneys for 72 hours. Lungs cannot be preserved outside the body for any extended period of time. A serious shortage of donated organs and tissues prevents many transplants from being performed. Potential tissue donors can be persons who have died from any cause except cancer, infection or from a rare disease. A 1987 Gallup survey indicates that while 98 percent of Americans are aware of organ transplants, only 20 percent of them carry an organ donor card.
Many states provide organ donor cards on the back of their driver's licenses.
Even if a person has a signed donor card, it is customary to obtain permission from the family. For this reason, it is important to have a family discussion and understanding of each member's views about organ donation. Consider signing an organ donor card and discuss organ donation with your family so they know your wishes. It's free and it could save lives.