It offers statistics on waiting times and transplant results. Patients can use it to compare hospitals in their area. The family of a possible donor makes the decision about organ donation. If they haven't been asked to donate and they'd like to offer someone else a chance to live, they should ask the doctor or nurse. If the family decides not to allow the loved one's organs to be used, the organs won't be removed.
Most donors give multiple organs.
For example, the heart, liver, kidneys, pancreas and lungs may all be made available for transplantation from the same donor. The hospital staff person in charge of identifying donors will find out if the organs are suitable for transplant. Then he or she works with the OPO representative to coordinate the distribution of organs. Donor hearts are given to patients based on the donor's blood type and body weight, and the potential recipient's blood type, body weight, severity of illness and geographic location. Seriously ill patients at a nearby transplant center are given priority.