Every year, thousands of people wait for a transplant that could save or transform their life. In the United States alone, more than 100,000 people are currently on the national transplant waiting list, and on average, someone is added to that list every eight minutes. Yet many people don’t realize just how much they can give: a single donor can save up to eight lives through organ donation and improve the lives of more than 75 others through tissue donation.
If you’ve ever wondered exactly what can be donated, how the process works, and whether you’re eligible, this guide walks you through everything you need to know.
What is organ and tissue donation?
Organ and tissue donation is the process of giving a part of your body, either while you’re alive or after your death, to someone who needs it for a transplant. While the two terms are often used together, they refer to different things.
Organs are vital structures, such as the heart, kidneys, or liver, that perform essential functions in the body. Tissues, on the other hand, are groups of cells that serve a specific purpose but aren’t organs themselves, such as skin, corneas, or bone.
There are also two main paths for donation: living donation, where a person donates an organ or part of one while still alive, and deceased donation, where organs and tissues are recovered after death. You’ll find more detail on this distinction further down.
Which organs can be donated?
Several organs can be transplanted, each with its own requirements and impact.
Kidneys
The kidneys are the most commonly donated and transplanted organs. Since you can live a healthy life with just one functioning kidney, kidney donation is possible both from living donors and after death. A single kidney donor can dramatically change the life of someone who would otherwise depend on dialysis.
Liver
The liver is remarkable in that it can regenerate. This means a living donor can give a portion of their liver, which will grow back to nearly its original size in both the donor and the recipient. Liver donation is also common from deceased donors, and in some cases, one liver can be split to help two recipients.
Heart
Heart donation is only possible after death, since it’s a single, non-divisible organ essential to life. Heart transplants are typically reserved for patients with severe, end-stage heart failure who have no other treatment options left.
Lungs
Lungs can be donated after death, and in rare cases, a living donor can give a lobe of one lung. Lung transplants are often needed for conditions like cystic fibrosis or advanced pulmonary disease.
Pancreas
The pancreas is usually donated after death, though a portion can occasionally be donated by a living person. Pancreas transplants are frequently performed alongside kidney transplants for patients with type 1 diabetes and kidney failure.
Intestines
Intestinal transplants are rarer and more complex than other organ transplants. They’re typically reserved for patients with intestinal failure who can no longer be sustained through other treatments.
Which tissues can be donated?
Tissue donation doesn’t get as much attention as organ donation, but it can dramatically improve quality of life for recipients, and a single donor can help dozens of people.
Corneas
Corneal donation is one of the most impactful forms of tissue donation. It can restore sight to someone affected by injury or disease, and corneal transplants have some of the highest success rates of any transplant procedure.
Skin
Donated skin is primarily used to treat severe burn victims. It acts as a temporary protective barrier that allows the body to heal while reducing the risk of infection.
Bone and Tendons
Bone and tendon donations are used in reconstructive surgeries, to treat fractures, and to help patients recovering from cancer-related bone removal or severe injuries. They’re also frequently used in orthopedic and dental procedures.
Heart Valves
Donated heart valves can replace damaged or defective valves, particularly in children born with congenital heart conditions or adults with valve disease.
Blood Vessels
Blood vessel donations are often used in cardiovascular surgeries, such as bypass procedures, where a healthy vessel is needed to reroute blood flow.
Living donation vs. deceased donation
Understanding the difference between these two paths helps clarify what’s possible and when.
Living donation is limited to organs or tissues the body can either regenerate or function without. This includes:
- One kidney (the remaining kidney compensates for both)
- A portion of the liver (which regenerates over time)
- In rare cases, a lung lobe or a portion of the pancreas or intestine
Deceased donation opens the door to nearly everything on this list, since organs like the heart, and tissues like corneas, can only be recovered once a person has died. Deceased donation typically follows either brain death or, in some cases, circulatory death, and it’s carried out under strict medical and legal protocols.
Compatibility also plays a major role in every donation. Blood type, tissue type, organ size, and the recipient’s medical urgency all factor into who receives a given organ or tissue.
Who can become a donor?
One of the most persistent myths about organ donation is that only young, perfectly healthy people can register. In reality, medical eligibility is determined case by case, at the time of donation, not based on age or general health history alone.
A few facts worth knowing:
- There’s no strict age cutoff. Donors in their 70s and 80s have successfully donated organs and tissues.
- Having a chronic condition, such as diabetes or high blood pressure, doesn’t automatically disqualify you. Some organs may still be viable even if others aren’t.
- Medical professionals evaluate each organ and tissue individually at the time of death or donation to determine what can be used.
In short, don’t rule yourself out. Let the medical team make that determination when the time comes.
How to register as an organ or tissue donor
Becoming a donor is simpler than most people expect:
- Register with your national or state donor registry. In many countries, you can do this online in just a few minutes.
- Indicate your choice on your driver’s license or ID, if your region offers this option.
- Talk to your family. Even if you’re registered, your loved ones are often consulted at the time of donation. Making your wishes clear in advance avoids confusion and helps them honor your decision.
- Review your choice periodically. You can update your preferences, including which organs and tissues you’re willing to donate, at any time.
Taking these steps today means your decision is documented and respected when it matters most.
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Organ and tissue donation touches far more of the body than most people realize, from life-saving organs like the heart and kidneys to tissues like corneas and skin that restore mobility, sight, and dignity. A single donor can save up to eight lives and improve dozens more.
If you haven’t already, consider registering as a donor and talking to your family about your wishes. It’s a decision that costs you nothing today but could mean everything to someone else tomorrow.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I donate organs if I have a chronic illness? Often, yes. Conditions like diabetes or hepatitis don’t automatically prevent donation. Medical teams assess each organ individually to determine what’s usable.
Does organ donation disfigure the body? No. Organ and tissue recovery is performed with the same care and respect as surgery, and an open-casket funeral is still possible afterward.
Can I choose which organs to donate? Yes. When you register, you can typically specify which organs and tissues you’re willing to donate, rather than an all-or-nothing choice.
Is there an age limit for organ donation? There’s no fixed age limit. Eligibility is based on the condition of the organs and tissues at the time of donation, not on age alone.
