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DEAR MAYO CLINIC: I'm getting a new driver's license and am thinking about checking the "organ donor" box for the first time. I don’t know anyone who’s been an organ donor, and my family and friends haven’t talked about this. Can anyone donate?
ANSWER: People of many ages, backgrounds and health histories may be eligible to become organ donors. More than 100,000 people in the U.S. are waiting for an organ transplant, but the number of available donor organs falls far short of the need. Broadening the pool of registered organ donors gives more patients the opportunity to receive a lifesaving transplant before their disease progresses.
The goal of transplantation is to save lives, improve quality of life and help patients with end-stage organ failure. While transplantation has become a well-established medical therapy over the past several decades, many people still see it as something that's out of reach for them or only available to a select group of patients. Increasing awareness about transplantation and organ donation can encourage more people to consider becoming donors.
Many people mistakenly believe organs are matched based on race, population group or sex. But that's not the case. Transplant teams first evaluate medical factors such as the height and weight of the donor and recipient, as well as blood type and other clinical criteria. If organs are medically compatible, they can be successfully transplanted between people of different races, cultural backgrounds and sexes.
The importance of a broad donor pool
A broad donor pool remains important because of people's immune systems. Every person has a special combination of antibodies, and transplant teams compare antibody profiles between donors and recipients to reduce the risk of organ rejection. Some antibody patterns are more common in certain populations than others. A larger donor pool offers a wider range of antibody profiles, increasing the likelihood of finding compatible matches for patients from different backgrounds.
For some transplant candidates, antibodies significantly narrow the number of organs they can safely receive. If a patient has antibodies that would reject half of all potential donor organs, only the remaining half may be suitable for transplantation. That smaller pool of compatible organs often means a longer wait for a transplant. Expanding the donor pool increases the chances of finding a compatible organ sooner, which can be lifesaving for patients with advanced organ failure.
Increasing the number of registered donors can help more patients find compatible organs sooner. Some communities may experience challenges that make it more difficult to receive transplant evaluations or advanced medical therapies.
In addition, certain inherited conditions, such as cardiac amyloidosis, which can lead to organ failure, occur more frequently in some populations. Increasing organ donation awareness and participation across all communities helps ensure that more patients have the opportunity to benefit from transplantation.
Common misconceptions
Education also plays an important role in addressing misconceptions about organ donation. One common myth is that only young or perfectly healthy people can become donors. However, the medical team evaluates every potential donor individually at the time of donation. While some organs have age-related considerations, many organs and tissues from older adults can still save or improve the lives of others. For that reason, people shouldn't assume they're too old or unhealthy to register as donors.
Another misconception is that organ donation only benefits someone with a similar background. That's not the case. Donated organs are allocated to the most appropriate medical match based on established clinical criteria. A donor's race, cultural background or sex doesn't determine who receives an organ. The focus is always on providing the best match for a successful transplant.
Increasing public awareness about transplantation and organ donation remains an important priority. Compared with other major health conditions, organ transplantation receives relatively little public attention. More education can help people understand the donation process, overcome common misconceptions and encourage conversations with family members about their wishes.
As you know, registering as an organ donor is often as simple as checking "yes" when applying for or renewing a driver's license or signing up through an official organ donor registry. Be sure to discuss your decision with family members so they understand your wishes.
Organ donation is a selfless act that has the power to transform lives. Every additional donor increases the chances of finding compatible matches, helping more patients receive the gift of a healthier future.
Juan Carlos Leoni-Moreno M.D, FACC, FHFSA,Transplant Cardiology, Transplant Center, Mayo Clinic, Jacksonville, Florida
