How does the donation process work?

Hospitals alert the regional OPO, Eye Bank and/or Tissue Banks of all deaths and imminent deaths.

  • OPOs, Eye Banks and Tissue Banks have access to the Registry to determine if a patient is a registered donor. Neither hospitals nor health care providers have access to the Registry.
  • The patient is evaluated to determine if they are medically able to donate organs and tissues.
  • If the patient is medically able to donate and is a registered donor:
    • The OPO, Eye Bank or Tissue Bank meets with the family and informs them of their loved one’s legal consent to donate their organs and/or tissues.
    • The OPO, Eye Bank or Tissue Bank then walks the family through the donation process.
    • The OPO, Eye Bank or Tissue Bank then begins the recovery process.
    • If the patient becomes an organ donor, the organs are matched to recipients based on federal guidelines.
  • If the patient is an eligible donor and they are not registered:
    • The OPO, Eye Bank or Tissue Bank meets with the family or individuals authorized to make decisions for the patient.
    • The OPO, Eye Bank or Tissue Bank explains the donation process to the family.
    • The authorized decision makers are asked and then decide whether or not the patient will donate organs and tissues.
    • If consent to donate is given, the OPO, Eye Bank or Tissue Bank then begins the recovery process.
    • If the patient becomes an organ donor, the organs are matched to recipients based on a federally managed waitlist.
  • If the patient is not medically able to donate organs or tissues, their family will not be asked to consider donation.

If you die outside of the hospital, donation of eyes and tissues may be possible. Your family needs to immediately notify the coroner or funeral home of your death and your wishes.