Organ Donation – Study Notes

General Science July 28, 2025 5 min read

What is Organ Donation?

Organ donation is the process of giving an organ or tissue to another person who needs it due to organ failure or disease. Organs can be donated by living donors or after death (deceased donors).

Types of Organ Donation

Living Donation
Donors are alive and can donate organs such as a kidney, part of the liver, or lung.
Deceased Donation
Organs are donated after the donor has died, typically following brain death or circulatory death.

Organs and Tissues Commonly Donated

Organ/Tissue	Can be Donated by Living Donor?	Can be Donated by Deceased Donor?
Kidney	Yes	Yes
Liver (segment)	Yes	Yes
Heart	No	Yes
Lung (lobe)	Yes	Yes
Pancreas	No	Yes
Intestine	No	Yes
Cornea	No	Yes
Skin	No	Yes
Bone	No	Yes

The Organ Donation Process

Identification
Potential donors are identified in hospitals.
Evaluation
Medical suitability is assessed.
Consent
Consent from the donor or family is obtained.
Matching
Organs are matched to recipients based on blood type, tissue type, size, and urgency.
Recovery and Transplantation
Organs are surgically removed and transplanted into recipients.

Diagram: Organ Donation Process

Organ Donation Process

Surprising Facts

One donor can save up to eight lives and enhance over 75 more through tissue donation.
Organs from deceased donors can sometimes be preserved outside the body for hours using advanced perfusion machines, increasing the chance of successful transplantation.
Some countries use an “opt-out” system, where everyone is considered a potential donor unless they register otherwise, dramatically increasing donation rates.

Global Impact

Shortage of Donors:
Worldwide, the demand for organs far exceeds supply. According to the World Health Organization, tens of thousands die annually waiting for transplants.
International Differences:
Countries with opt-out systems (e.g., Spain, Austria) have higher donation rates compared to opt-in systems (e.g., United States, Japan).
Medical Tourism:
Some patients travel abroad for transplants, raising ethical concerns about organ trafficking and exploitation.
Cultural and Religious Factors:
Beliefs about body integrity, life after death, and altruism affect donation rates globally.

Recent Research

A 2021 study published in JAMA Network Open found that the use of ex vivo lung perfusion (EVLP) machines increased the number of lungs suitable for transplantation, reducing waitlist deaths (JAMA Network Open, 2021).

Environmental Implications

Medical Waste:
Organ transplantation generates significant medical waste (packaging, disposables, surgical materials).
Energy Use:
Preservation and transport of organs require specialized equipment and refrigerated vehicles, consuming energy.
Long-Term Health:
Successful transplants reduce the need for long-term dialysis or intensive care, which are resource-intensive and environmentally taxing.
Sustainable Practices:
Hospitals are increasingly adopting green practices, such as recycling and energy-efficient equipment, to mitigate environmental impact.

Project Idea

Investigate the Impact of Opt-Out vs. Opt-In Organ Donation Policies on Donation Rates and Public Attitudes

Research countries with different policies.
Survey local opinions about organ donation.
Analyze donation statistics before and after policy changes.
Present findings with recommendations for increasing donation rates.

Water and Dinosaurs – A Unique Perspective

The water molecules we drink today have existed for millions of years, cycling through the environment. This means the water in your glass may once have been consumed by dinosaurs, highlighting the interconnectedness of all life and resources on Earth.

Ethical Considerations

Informed Consent:
Ensuring donors and families understand the process and implications.
Equity:
Fair allocation of organs regardless of race, income, or social status.
Transparency:
Public trust depends on transparent processes and oversight.

How to Become a Donor

Register:
Sign up with your country’s organ donor registry.
Communicate:
Inform your family of your wishes.
Carry a Donor Card:
This helps medical staff know your intentions in emergencies.

Summary Table: Key Points

Aspect	Details
What is Organ Donation	Giving organs/tissues to those in need
Types	Living and deceased donation
Organs/Tissues	Kidney, liver, heart, lung, cornea, skin, bone, etc.
Process	Identification, consent, matching, recovery, transplantation
Global Impact	Shortage, policy differences, medical tourism
Environmental Impact	Medical waste, energy use, sustainability
Recent Research	EVLP increases lung transplant success (JAMA, 2021)
Project Idea	Compare opt-in/opt-out policies and public attitudes