Recovery

THINGS TO KNOW

  1. In most cases, all organs are designated for transplant to a specific recipient before being recovered. ​In some cases, with family authorization, organs can be placed for research.
  2. Organs can be recovered only after authorization, either first-person or next-of-kin, has been obtained and the donor is deceased. 
  3. For donors less than 18 years old, authorization from the parents must be obtained even if the potential donor is listed on the donor registry.  Also, if a person is over the age of 18 but designated themselves as a donor BEFORE they turned 18, authorization must be obtained by the parents.
  4. The OPTN prohibits the attending physician or the physician who declares the time of the potential donor’s death from recovering the organs [18]. 
  5. The transplant surgeon performing the recovery or the medical examiner (if relevant) will conduct a final evaluation before organs are recovered. 
  6. Generally, hearts and lungs are recovered first, then abdominal organs, cornea, and tissue. 
  7. Although specific processes in organ recovery may vary according to a specific OPO, all organs are recovered using standard surgical techniques in a sterile environment. 
  8. CORE maintains detailed operative notes on the recovery procedure.
  9. The organs are placed in sterile packaging and transported to the recipient’s transplant hospital.  
  10. At the conclusion of organ, cornea and tissue procurement, the donor case is concluded and the body can be released to the funeral home.

In most cases, all organs are designated for transplant to a specific recipient before being recovered. ​In some cases, with family authorization, organs can be placed for research.