Answers

17 Who would get my organs and tissue if I became a donor?

Many things need to match or be very close to ensure a successful organ transplant. Blood group, age and weight are all taken into account. For kidneys another important factor is tissue type which is much more complex than blood grouping. The best results can be achieved if a perfect match is found.

There is a national, computerised list of patients waiting for an organ transplant. The computer will identify the best matched patient for an organ or the transplant unit to which the organ is to be offered. Normally, priority is given to patients who most urgently need a transplant. UK Transplant operates the transplant list and donor organ allocation system. It works round the clock, every day of the year and covers the whole of the UK.

Tissue is very occasionally matched, eg for size and tissue type, but otherwise is freely available to any patient in need of a transplant.

18 Are donors screened to identify if they have a transmissible disease?

Yes. Blood is taken from all potential donors and tested to rule out transmissible diseases and viruses such as HIV and hepatitis. The family of the potential donor is made aware that this procedure is required.

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