What is the difference between “tissue” and “organ” transplants?
• Tissue transplants consist of bone, skin, connective tissue, heart tissue (including heart valves), vascular tissue and corneas. Organ donation refers to whole organs such as the liver, kidneys, heart, lungs and pancreas. • Organ donation can only occur when a prospective donor is declared “brain dead” in a hospital setting, while the heart is still beating. However, tissue can be recovered up to 24 hours after death no matter where the donor dies. • Tissue transplants do not have to be type-matched but organ transplants do. • An organ donor can help up to seven people, and a tissue donor can benefit more than 50 lives. • A donor can donate both his/her organs and tissue if criteria for both are met. Back to Top What does the Red Cross do to ensure that donor family wishes are followed? When a tissue donor family agrees to donate their loved one’s tissue, they work with a Red Cross trained donor coordinator to determine what specific tissues they wish to donate. Red Cross donor famil
