1. Blood donation is the commonest form of organ donation for blood is a fluid organ.

2. It is possible to transplant approximately 25 different organs and tissues including bone and
    cartilage, vein, skin, heart valves, middle ear bones, Bone Marrow, corneas (eyes), hearts,
    heart-lung. Kidney, liver, lung and pancreas.

3. Acceptable organ donors can range from a newborn to a senior citizen

4. Organ Donors are people in good health who have died suddenly, possibly through accidents
    or brain haemorrhage and have been declared "Brain Dead". In this situation the brain
    function has permanently ceased but the heart and lungs continue to function with the use of
    artificial life supports.

5. Coma is a state of unconsciousness that occurs because the brain is injured in some way. The
    brain still functions and this can be seen in the tests that are performed. The person will be
    able to breathe on his own without the help of a respirator. The brain, in fact, may heal. Brain
    death is the complete stoppage of brain function without possibility of recovery.

6. With advances in medical technology it is possible to transport organs hundreds or even
    thousands of miles to a patient in another hospital for transplantation. The normal
    preservation times for different organs are as follows:

ORGAN
PRESERVATION TIME
Heart
4 to 6 hours
Heart-Lung
4 to 6 hours
Lungs
4 to 6 hours
Liver
12 to 24 hours
Kidney
48 to 72 hours


7. An individual can express one's wishes to be a organ donor by signing a "DONOR CARD".
    However medical personnel will ask the next-of-kin for permission to donate. Hence it is
    important to convey your wishes to your family members so that your wish may be
    honoured.

8. "DONOR CARDS" may be obtained from the office of "MOHAN FOUNDATION", AA-147 Jayam 
    Building Annanagar, Chennai-600 040. Tel: 26207000 .Two witnesses should sign the card    
    along  with you. The DONOR CARD works also like your identity card in case of an             
    emergency, hence carry it in your purse all the time.

9. In India the passing of the Transplantation of Human Organs Act has made buying and selling
    of organs as illegal and a punishable offence.

10. All the major religions of the world favour organ donation.