WHAT IS ORGAN DONATION?
Organ donation is when a person, while alive and of their own free will, bequeaths part or all of their organs to be used after their death. Anyone over the age of 18 who is of sound mind can donate organs.
CAN THE ORGANS OF EVERYONE WHO DONATES ORGANS BE USED?
Even if a person has donated their organs, it is not possible to use organs after every death. For example, if a person dies at home, on the street, or in a hospital, their organs cannot be used. Only the organs of patients who have experienced brain death while connected to a ventilator in an intensive care unit can be used and transplanted.
WHAT IS BRAIN DEATH? HOW IS IT DIAGNOSED?
In brain death, since all brain functions are completely lost, it is irreversible; death has fully and definitively occurred. This condition should not be confused with a vegetative state. A number of tests must be performed to diagnose brain death. As a result of these tests, a decision is made by four specialist physicians in their field regarding whether brain death has occurred. This decision is then communicated to the family.
IS FAMILY PERMISSION OBTAINED REGARDLESS OF WHETHER THERE IS AN ORGAN DONATION CARD OR NOT?
Regardless of whether an organ donation card exists, the families of all cases where brain death has occurred are always consulted. This discussion is carried out by the organ transplant coordinator. No organs can be taken or used without family consent.
WHICH ORGANS CAN I DONATE?
Organs such as the heart, lungs, kidneys, cornea, liver, small intestine, pancreas, face, and scalp can be donated.
CAN THE ORGANS BE TRANSPLANTED TO ANYONE?
Transplant procedures are carried out by the National Coordination System within the Ministry of Health, and all procedures are recorded and documented. Organ allocation is made among those registered on national waiting lists, primarily according to medical urgency and blood and tissue compatibility. No distinction is made based on religion, language, race, gender, or wealth. The identities of the