Have you signed up as an organ donor?

There are approximately 4 300 people in South Africa waiting for a life-saving organ or cornea transplant.

Sadly, many of the people waiting for transplants will not see Christmas this year and many will be on the transplant list for years and may still not receive their gift.

By signing up as an organ donor, you have the power to save up to seven lives.

One of the crucial parts of organ donation is understanding the process involved, from beginning to end.

The Organ Donor Foundation (ODF) has underlined the key factors of the process: 

How do I become an organ donor?

The process is straightforward. Register online or call the Organ Donor Foundation’s toll free line on 0800 22 66 11. ODF will then send you a small organ donor card to fill in and carry in your wallet, as well as a sticker to put on your ID document and on your driver’s license.

Who can be a donor?

Any person who is in good health and is clear of defined chronic diseases that might adversely affect the recipient will be considered as a possible donor.

Do I need medical tests to register as a donor?

No. Medical tests will only be carried out at the time of death. This will involve medical professionals evaluating your medical and social history, carrying out blood and culture tests and conducting a physical examination. This is done to ensure that your organs and tissue is suitable for donation.

What is the difference between organ and tissue donation?

An organ transplant takes place after an individual has been declared brain dead but is still being supported on a respirator, whereas tissue retrieval can still take place several hours and even days after death. Another difference is that the recipient will receive the donated organ shortly after retrieval, while tissue is usually stored in a special Tissue Bank and is therefore available for use as and when needed.

What organs can be transplanted?

Your heart, liver and pancreas can save three lives and your kidneys and lungs can help up to four people. You can save seven lives.

Which tissues can be transplanted?

You can help up to 50 people by donating your corneas, skin, bone, tendons and heart valves.

Can I agree to donate only some organs or tissue and not others?

Yes. Please inform your family which organs / tissue you do not wish to donate.

Is there any cost involved in signing up as a donor?

No, it costs nothing to sign up as an organ donor.

Can I donate while I am alive?

Yes, in some cases. Live donations, such as a kidney are often done between family members, because the blood groups and tissue types are more compatible. This ensures a higher success rate.

Does being a donor delay the funeral?

No. As soon as the donated organs / tissue has been removed, the body is returned to the family to bury or cremate. Does donation leave my body disfigured? No. The utmost respect and dignity is given to the donor at all times. The recovery of organs and tissue is carried out with great care by surgeons and trained staff and the process does not change the way the body looks.

Are there religious objections to transplantation?

Most religions support organ and tissue donation as it is consistent with life preservation. If you are unsure, you should talk to your spiritual leader.

Can I change my mind?

Yes. You can change your mind at any time. Simply tear up your organ donor card and remove the sticker from your ID document and driver’s license. Please inform your family that you no longer wish to be an organ / tissue donor.

Steps your family need to take to ensure your wishes are carried out:

Speak to the medical professional attending to your loved one. Inform them of your loved ones wishes. Ask for contact details of the closest transplant centre or call the Organ Donor Foundation’s Toll Free Line 0800 22 66 11 for assistance.

It is important that registered donors inform family members of their wish to have their organs donated when the time comes.

Do you want to receive news alerts via WhatsApp? Send us a WhatsApp message (not an sms) with your name and surname to 061 718 4438.

Please read our WhatsApp broadcast list disclaimer.
Join the conversation on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram