The Urgent Need for Kidneys and Livers
Every year, the demand for kidney and liver transplants continues to rise, emphasizing the critical nature of these organs. In the past year alone, medical professionals conducted over 21,000 kidney transplants and 8,000 liver transplants to meet the overwhelming need. Currently, there are approximately 95,000 individuals anxiously waiting for a kidney transplant, while over 13,000 people are hoping for a liver transplant.
Diabetes, a prevalent health condition affecting more than 100 million Americans, plays a significant role in the increasing demand for kidneys. Kidney failure is a severe consequence of diabetes, and individuals with chronic kidney disease, which affects about 37 million Americans, are at risk of eventually requiring a kidney transplant.
How Donated Organs are Recovered
When it comes to the recovery of organs from deceased donors, the responsibility falls on organ procurement organizations (OPOs) that operate under federal regulations. These OPOs ensure that all organ recoveries are conducted in accordance with the highest medical and ethical standards. Working in collaboration with donor hospitals, OPOs facilitate the matching of donors and organs for transplantation. The United States currently has 58 OPOs spread across the country.
When a designated donor is diagnosed with an irreversible loss of blood flow to the brain, medical professionals declare them brain dead. To maintain bodily functions, life support is provided while a nurse from the OPO evaluates the patient’s medical suitability for organ donation. Following this evaluation, consent for organ donation is obtained from the family by either a trained member of the hospital staff or an OPO representative.