Kidney
The donor lives normally with one kidney. The graft lasts 20-40 years.
Complete guide
Donatable Organs & Tissues
A single person can save up to 8 lives and restore health to more than 75. Here we explain what can be donated, how, and what it means for you and for the recipient.
One decision
One decision. Up to 8 lives
A single person can save up to 8 lives and restore health to more than 75. Eight families who get to breathe again
Heart
Lungs
Liver
Kidneys
Pancreas
Tissues
Corneas
Bone Marrow
Living donation
What you can donate while living
Living donors can donate specific organs. The kidney is the most common and safest: the donor lives a completely normal life with one kidney.
Liver Segment
The liver regenerates in a few weeks. Donor and recipient both recover full function.
Lung Lobe
A lobe can be donated. Requires two donors for one recipient.
Tissues
Certain specific tissues can be donated while living.
Post-mortem donation
What can be donated post-mortem
A deceased person can donate multiple organs and tissues. A single decision can save up to 8 lives and enhance over 75 more.
Heart
Lungs
Liver
Kidneys
Pancreas
Tissues
Corneas
Bone Marrow
The impact in numbers
8
lives saved by one organ donor
75+
lives enhanced by donated tissues
20-40
years a living donor kidney lasts
5
minutes to register as a post-mortem donor
How the organ decision is made
- The kidney is the most needed organ and the safest to donate while living.
- Compatibility (blood type, tissue, DNA) determines which organs can be donated.
- The Voucher Program and Paired Exchange can connect you even if you are not a direct match.
- Post-mortem donation does not require prior compatibility: the system manages matching.
See if I qualify
It costs you nothing. Your family is protected. Your kidney can live 20-40 years in someone else.