Donation Process

When a patient arrives at a hospital with a severe brain injury, the hospital contacts the local organ procurement organization (OPO) based on mutually agreed upon clinical triggers and timeframes. While the hospital continues lifesaving efforts, the OPO determines medical suitability and whether the patient is a registered organ and/or tissue donor.  The OPO and the hospital staff collaborate to ensure that the family is cared for and offered the appropriate donation option should death be declared.

Unless the family brings up donation first, only after the family has been informed of the patient’s death and the patient is evaluated for medical suitability , the opportunity to donate is discussed. If the patient is a registered donor, the family is informed and donation proceeds. The presence of a donor designation or donor document is irrevocable by any person other than the donor. If the patient is not a registered donor, the family considers the donation options and the donation process proceeds only after the family has granted authorization.

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