What is tissue donation?
Voluntary Donation
4 Important differences
Between Tissue And Organ Donation
1. Tissue is recovered after cardiac death
Organ donation is highly complex and can only take place if the potential donor is:
- in hospital;
- has been certified to have suffered brain-stem death; and
- healthcare professionals can sustain the donor though mechanical support and medication to ensure that organs are suitable for transplantation.
In contrast, tissue recovery takes place after cardiac death, and it does not matter whether a potential tissue donor passes away in or out of hospital.
2. Many more people can be tissue donors
As a result, a very small percentage of people can be organ donors when they die.
While potential tissue donors are also thoroughly screened, donated tissue does not have to be matched to a recipient. Anyone can donate to anyone.
This means about 85% of people who die, can be successful tissue donors.
3. There Is More Time
It is possible to recover tissue (depending on the type of tissue) up to 48 hours after death. In the case of bone donation, tissue can be recovered up to five days after death. Recovery can take place in a hospital, at a mortuary or at a funeral home.
4. So many more patients can benefit
Tissue donation can save the lives of burn victims, restore sight, avoid amputation, improve mobility and prolong life.