Those with specific diseases such as cancer, emphysema, or heart disease can be donors. Anatomical donation for medical research and education can be an option even when transplantation is not. While factors related to age, disease, or state of health do not eliminate an individual from being a donor, they may affect the type of tissue that can be used.
Donors must be at least 18 years of age. We are not able to accept donors with certain infectious diseases -- for example HIV, hepatitis B or C, or active tuberculosis. This is done for the protection and safety of the recovery staff and the medical community we serve.
The final decision on donation acceptance can only be made based on potential donor's physical state of health at the time of death.
We make every effort to fulfill our potential donors' intentions. If, for any reason, we cannot accept a donation, we will work with the family to find other alternatives to accommodate their needs.