Can a person be too old or sick to donate?
• NO. People of all ages may be an organ and tissue donor. • Your medical condition at the time of death will determine what organs and tissue can be donated. • A physician will decide whether your organs and tissue can be transplanted. What medical conditions prohibit donation? Each potential donor is evaluated for the presence of conditions or illnesses that might put the transplant recipients at risk. The only, absolute, contraindications to donation are the presence of HIV infection and/or active hepatitis infection. All other medical conditions are evaluated individually at the time of donation. Many people with chronic medical problems have safely donated vital organs and tissue. Will donation disfigure my body? • NO. Donation does not disfigure the body or change the way it looks in a casket. • It does not delay funeral arrangements.
