INFORMATION FOR DONORS

 

What does donation mean?

 

It is a free, voluntary, altruist, generous and solidary action by which one or more organs are donated.

 

Who can be a donor? Requirements

 

LIVING DONOR

Any sane and healthy adult. The transplant consists in:

· Therapeutic purpose 

· Between genetically or emotionally related people

· For a specific person

 

Requirement:

· To be a sane adult.

· Health test done by a different doctor not related to the transplantation team.

· Psychological evaluation.

· No economic, social or psychological determinant.

· Disposal of information about risks and benefits.

· Positive report from the Ethics Committee.

· Consent given to a judge.

· Authorized centre for the organ transplantation.

DECEASED DONOR

 

 Anyone, regardless of age, who has not been against donations during his/her life. It is also important that he/she did not have a transmissible disease (cancer or infectious disease). 

 

An exhaustive study of the functionality of the organs is done when evaluating a potential donor. This study includes analytical, x-ray and ultrasound tests and even biopsies to minimize risks of disease transmissions and to optimize the results of further transplants. The health care team will be the one to state whether the donor can donate and which organs can he/she donate.

  

How to become a donor 

       

According to the Spanish Transplant Act we are all possible donors if we have not said anything against it in our lives. However, as this is not totally reliable, close relatives must be asked about his/her will towards organ donation.

 

The family's decision will always be obeyed as they would always respect the will of their loved one. The family's signature accepting the organ donation would be the family consent.

 

Donor card

 

The Spanish donor card is a document testifying our will of being an organ donor after death. However, the card has no real legal value. It is essential to notify our relatives of our desire to be donors, so that they can authorize the organ extraction after death.

 

  

 

Types of donor cards

There are various types of cards: institutional, patient associations. Every card is valid and has a legal value. They are all supported by the Spanish National Transplant Organization and can be revoked whenever.

 

Where can I get my donor card?

 

· In the Hospital's Transplant Coordination office.

· In the offices of Patient Care Unit (SAIP [Patient Care and Information Unit]).

· At your Primary Care Centre.

· Through the webpage of the Spanish National Transplant Organization (www.ont.es).