Frequently asked questions

Donor Registration:

Donation & Transplantation

Q. What is the Donor Registry?

A. The Donor Registry is a secure and confidential state-wide database listing everyone who has indicated their decision to be an organ, eye and tissue donor. The donor database is accessible only to authorized employees of organ, eye and tissue procurement agencies. It is not accessible to hospital personnel.

Q. How can I join the Donor Registry?

A. There are 3 ways to register:

Q. What is the difference between a donor code on my driver’s license and signing up online or with a paper form?

A. A driver’s license donor designation is "global" donation, i.e. consent to donate all organs, eyes or tissues suitable for transplant. If a person wishes to specify what they wish to donate and for what purposes, they should register online or with a paper form. All three methods are equally meaningful.

Q. Who may sign up on the Donor Registry?

A. In Oregon and Washington individuals at least 15 years old can put a donor code on their driver’s license/permit/ID and by law do not need parent/guardian permission to do so. People age 13 years and older can sign up online.

Until a person turns 18, the consent of a parent or legal guardian is required for the individual to actually become a donor.

Q. Is my information in the Donor Registry secure?

A. Yes. All personal information is kept confidential. The law prohibits donor registry information from being sold or shared with any company or government agency. Your information is stored in a secure database, accessible only to authorized organ, eye and tissue recovery personnel. It is not accessible to hospital personnel.

Q. What if I change my mind?

A. Those who sign up online may remove their name from the Donor Registry, alter their personal information, or change donation preferences at any time. Those who registered with a paper form may call Donate Life Northwest to make changes. If you signed up through DMV with a donor code on your license/permit/ID card, all changes must be made at DMV.

Q. Can my family go against my wishes to be an organ, eye and tissue donor?

A. In some circumstances, yes. If the deceased person is under 18 years old, the legal next of kin assumes responsibility for the decision to donate. Therefore, it is very important to discuss your wishes with your family.

Q. Will my medical care be affected if people know I am a donor?

A. Never! Your health care providers will make all efforts to save your life. An entirely separate team of health care professionals handle the donation process. Furthermore, organ, eye and tissue recovery happens only after all life-saving efforts have been exhausted and death has been legally declared.

Q. Is there anyone who is not allowed to donate?

A. Do not rule yourself out due to age or health! People of all ages and medical histories – even those with diabetes, cancer, or hepatitis C – should consider themselves potential organ donors. The circumstances of death and your medical condition at the time of death will determine what organs, eyes and tissue can be donated. Each case is evaluated individually.

Q. What organs and tissues can I donate?

A. Heart * Liver * Small Intestine * Kidneys * Lungs * Pancreas * Bone * Eyes/Corneas * Skin * Heart Valves & Associated Cardiovascular Tissue * Connective Tissues

Q. Do I have to die to save lives through donation?

A. No. There are many ways to donate and save lives through living donation.

Q. How does the donation process work?

A. Donors are evaluated on a case-by-case basis to ensure their organs and tissues are medically suitable for transplant. After this evaluation, organs and tissues receive further testing before they are approved for transplantation.

Q. Is it true that rich and famous people are more likely to get organ, eye and tissue transplants?

A. No. Everyone on the national transplant waiting list is registered with a national computer network that matches donor organs with potential recipients. Criteria such as blood and tissue type, body size, geographic location and medical urgency determine recipients. No one can advance their position on the waiting list based on income, social position or race.

Q. How much will organ, eye and tissue donation cost my family?

A. It costs nothing to donate, and no costs are passed on to a donor’s family or estate.

Q. Does my religion support donation?

A. All major religions practiced in the U.S. support donation as a charitable act. Call Donate Life Northwest if you have more specific questions about your religion.

Q. Will organ, eye or tissue donation delay or change funeral plans?

A. No. Donation typically causes no delay or change in funeral arrangements. An open-casket funeral remains an option after donation.

Q. Can I sell my organs, eyes or tissues?

A. It is against federal law to receive or offer money for human organs or tissues in the U.S.

Q. Can my organs be used if I die at home?

A. No. Organs can be donated only by individuals who die in a hospital of brain death, or in some cases, seriously brain-injured patients can donate organs after cardiac death. However, tissue and eye donation can occur when someone dies at home. Your family needs to tell the medical personnel and funeral home of the desire to donate.

Q. Can I be an organ, eye and tissue donor and also donate my body to science?

A. If you are an organ and tissue donor, you will not be accepted for whole body donation. However, eye donors can still donate their body to science. Whole body donation should be arranged in advance by completing additional forms.

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