Legal Stuff
Can you buy, sell, barter, or trade organs in the U.S?
No. It is illegal to buy, sell, barter and/or trade organs in the U.S.
OPO
Organ Procurement Organization
Can a family prevent a designated donor from donating their organs/tissues?
No. Donor designation is legal first person consent.
What is the time frame to refer all deaths to WRTC?
Within 60 minutes
Which act made it legal for an individual to donate their organs?
Uniform Anatomical Gift Act of 1968 (UAGA)
Brain Death
The irreversible cessation of all brain function, including the brain stem.
How much money do you need to be moved up on the transplant waiting list?
None. Wealth, fame, and status cannot help move someone up the waiting list.
How many lives can be saved by a single organ donor?
8 - Patients are on the waiting list for: heart, lungs, liver, kidneys, pancreas, intestines.
Name 2 of the 5 clinical triggers that ensure all deaths and imminent deaths are referred to WRTC as a potential donor.
When any mechanically ventilated patient meets any one of the following clinical triggers:
Before discussion of withdrawal from life-sustaining support (vent, fluids, ECMO, etc.)
DNR status change or deceleration of care
GCS less than or equal to 5 without sedation
Brain death testing is being considered or pursued
Family mentions donation
What is the appropriate term to use instead of “harvest”?
Recovery or Procurement
If I have a heart on my license, do I receive the same care as everyone else in an emergency?
Yes. Physicians involved in a patient's care in an emergency or critical care setting are not involved with transplant programs. The OPO is not notified until all lifesaving efforts have failed and death is imminent or has occurred. Death can be declared only by following strict medical and legal guidelines.
How many people die each day in the U.S. awaiting a life-saving transplant?
Which federal law requires healthcare professionals to assess/identify every potential donor?
National Organ Transplant Act of 1984
Describe a potential organ candidate
for Donation after Circulatory Death (DCD)
A patient that has not declined to Brain Death, the family has decided to withdraw support, and the patient is likely to expire within 90 minutes of extubation.
Does donation prevent funeral arrangements like an
open casket viewing?
No. Organs and tissues are recovered using standard surgical procedures similar to those in an open heart operation. The donor’s appearance is prepared for normal viewing in an open casket.
Additionally, organ donation does not delay regular funeral or memorial services.
How many patients are listed on the national transplant waiting list in October 2021?
106,844 as of October 2021
Almost 110,000 patient waiting for the gift of life.
What exam and test are required for a legal declaration of brain death?
A clinical exam AND an apnea test. If this cannot be completed ancillary tests like a 4 vessel angiogram or nuclear flow study can be used.
Name the 6 local transplant centers
1. Children’s National Hospital
2. The George Washington University Hospital
3. Inova Fairfax Hospital
4. MedStar Georgetown University Hospital
5. MedStar Washington Hospital Center
6. Walter Reed National Military Medical Center
What is the age limit for being a donor?
None. There is no age limit for donation. At the time of death, appropriate medical professionals will determine whether organs and tissues are suitable for transplantation. Recoveries for research or therapy, as well as whole body donation, are possible options.
Out of the 2,965 vented referrals WRTC received in 2020, how many became organ donors?
127