Saving Lives through Collaboration
The process of donation involves many factors and relies on the support of the donor's family, the NORS coordinator and the hospital and medical staff. Donation can only proceed after death has been declared. When lifesaving efforts have been unsuccessful, the hospital then notifies NORS.
A NORS coordinator searches for documentation of donation wishes. If the individual has expressed their wish to be an organ and tissue donor NORS will work with their family to support and honor those wishes. NORS recognizes the right of every individual to make a personal decision about donation and respects the importance of honoring those wishes to extend the gift of life.
If the individual has not indicated their wishes about donation, the next-of-kin will be asked to provide authorization. Once there is authorization for donation NORS begins the donation process.
Organ Placement
Organs are matched with the patient on the national transplant waiting list who is the best match.
Organ and Tissue Recovery
Transplant teams come to the hospital to recover the donor's organs. Like other operations, this surgery takes place in an operating room. Tissue is recovered after the organ recovery surgery is completed. If organ donation is not an opportunity many times tissue donation is still an opportunity. Tissue is recovered in an operating room or surgical suite.
Transportation
After organ recovery, the organs are transported to the transplant center via the most appropriate means. After the tissue recovery the donated tissue is sent to a processor for further screening and sterilization before transplantation. After recovery, the deceased's body is transported to the funeral home of choice.
Follow-Up
The donor's family receives a letter telling them some information about the outcome of the donation.