Glossary

The individual legally authorized to consent to organ and tissue donation for a deceased person, typically a family member or legal representative.

A legal document that outlines a person's healthcare decisions, including their preferences for organ and tissue donation, in the event they become unable to communicate their decisions.

Individuals who volunteer their time to raise awareness and educate the public about the importance of organ and tissue donation, often working with OPOs and other organizations to promote donation.

The complex system managed by the OPTN that matches available organs with potential recipients based on medical urgency, compatibility, geographic location, and other factors to ensure fair and equitable distribution.

AATB professional organization that sets standards and accredits tissue banks, ensuring the safety and quality of donated tissues for transplantation.

ABTC is a professional organization that certifies transplant coordinators and sets standards for their practice, ensuring competent and ethical care for donors and recipients throughout the transplantation process.

A protein produced by the immune system in response to a foreign substance, such as a transplanted organ. High levels of antibodies can increase the risk of organ rejection.

A national organization representing and supporting the work of Organ Procurement Organizations (OPOs) across the United States. AOPO is saving and improving lives through organ, eye, and tissue donation, by leading the nation’s organ donation process through innovation, advocacy, and education. AOPO advances organ donation and transplantation by driving continual improvement of the donation process, collaborating with stakeholders and sharing best practices with their OPO members.

The legal permission granted by a deceased individual or their authorized representative for the donation of their organs and tissues for transplantation or research.

A postmortem examination conducted to determine the cause of death and evaluate any diseases or injuries. In the context of organ donation, an autopsy may be required to assess the suitability of organs for transplantation.

A procedure to replace damaged or diseased bone marrow with healthy bone marrow stem cells, often used to treat blood cancers and other blood disorders. While not directly related to OPOs, bone marrow donation is another form of lifesaving transplantation.

The irreversible cessation of all brain function, including the brainstem, which is a legal determination of death and a prerequisite for organ donation in many cases.

A series of neurological tests performed by physicians to confirm the absence of brain function and declare brain death, allowing for the possibility of organ donation.

A disease characterized by the uncontrolled growth and spread of abnormal cells. The presence of certain cancers may preclude organ donation.

A type of death where the heart stops beating, but organs may still be viable for donation under specific circumstances, known as Donation after Circulatory Death (DCD).

A federal agency that administers Medicare, Medicaid, and the Children's Health Insurance Program (CHIP), playing a role in regulating and reimbursing transplant-related services.

A federal agency responsible for protecting public health and safety, including monitoring and preventing the spread of infectious diseases that could impact organ donation and transplantation.

A medical test used to assess blood circulation in the brain, sometimes employed to evaluate potential organ donors with suspected brain injury or to confirm brain death.

Also known as a stroke, a sudden interruption of blood flow to the brain that can result in brain damage or death, potentially leading to organ donation.

A healthcare professional with specialized training and certification in coordinating the care of transplant recipients, including pre-transplant evaluation, surgery, and post-transplant follow-up.

A healthcare professional with specialized training and certification in coordinating the process of organ and tissue procurement from deceased donors, including evaluating potential donors, obtaining consent, and managing the recovery process.

A professional certified in the proper handling, processing, and storage of donated tissues, ensuring their safety and quality for transplantation.

Also known as Donation after Circulatory Death (DCD), it is a type of organ donation that occurs after the heart has stopped beating but certain organs, such as kidneys and liver, can still be recovered and transplanted.

Federal regulations that establish quality standards for laboratory testing, including those performed on potential organ donors and recipients to assess their health and suitability for transplantation.

A head injury where the skull remains intact, but the brain is injured, often leading to increased intracranial pressure and potentially resulting in brain death and organ donation eligibility.

The time an organ is preserved outside the body at cold temperatures after procurement and before transplantation. Minimizing CIT is critical to maintain organ viability and improve transplant outcomes.

The organ procurement organization (OPO) serving Colorado and Wyoming. Donor Alliance was formed in 1997 as the result of a merger between Colorado Organ Recovery Systems (CORS) and the Mile High Transplant Bank (MHTB). Today, we continue to build on our nearly 30-year legacy of saving and healing lives, as well as the history of organ and tissue donation for transplantation in our nation.

The legal permission given by a person or their authorized representative for organ or tissue donation, either during their lifetime or after death.

A determination made by a coroner or medical examiner that an individual is not a suitable candidate for organ donation due to medical, legal, or other factors.

A public official who investigates deaths, particularly those that are sudden, unexpected, or violent, and determines the cause and manner of death. They may also play a role in identifying potential organ donors.

A surgical clamp used to temporarily stop blood flow during organ procurement or transplantation procedures.

Regulations enforced by the FDA to ensure the safety and quality of human cells, tissues, and cellular and tissue-based products (HCT/Ps) used in transplantation.

An individual who has been declared dead and whose organs and tissues are donated for transplantation.

A legal document used to record an individual's decision to be an organ and tissue donor after death.

A federal department responsible for protecting the health and well-being of Americans. It oversees several agencies involved in organ donation and transplantation, including HRSA.

A government agency where individuals can register their decision to be an organ and tissue donor, typically indicated on their driver license or state identification card.

An individual authorized by a potential donor to make organ and tissue donation decisions on their behalf in the event of their death.

A medical order indicating that CPR or other life-saving measures should not be attempted in the event of cardiac arrest. In the context of organ donation, a DNR order does not preclude organ donation; in fact, it can sometimes facilitate donation after cardiac death.

A type of living donation transplant procedure where a living donor donates a kidney to a stranger, initiating a chain of transplants where incompatible donor-recipient pairs are matched and able to receive transplants.

A non-profit organization leads its national partners and Donate Life State Teams to increase the number of registered organ, eye, and tissue donors and promoting the importance of donation. DLA owns, manages and promotes Donate Life℠, the national logo and brand for the cause of donation.

The designated geographical region served by an Organ Procurement Organization (OPO), responsible for coordinating organ donation within that area.

The percentage of individuals within a given population who have officially registered their intent to be organ donors, typically through their driver's license or a state donor registry.

A comprehensive interview conducted with potential living donors to assess their physical and mental health, motivation, and understanding of the risks and benefits of donation, ensuring informed consent and donor safety.

A government agency where individuals can register their decision to be an organ donor, typically indicated on their driver license or state identification card.

A test that measures and records the electrical activity of the brain, sometimes used to confirm brain death in potential organ donors.

A digital version of a patient's medical chart containing their health history, diagnoses, treatments, and other relevant information, often accessed by OPOs and transplant centers to evaluate donor and recipient suitability.

A Colorado-based fund dedicated to raising awareness and educating the public about the importance of organ and tissue donation. Those obtaining a driver license or ID card can support the cause by donating to the Emily Keyes John W. Buckner Organ and Tissue Donation Awareness Fund. These funds are used solely to educate the public about what organ and tissue donation is and how it works, so that they can make an informed decision.

The final stages of a person's life, often involving discussions about medical care, advance directives, and the possibility of organ and tissue donation.

A federal law providing access to Medicare benefits for individuals with end-stage renal disease (ESRD) requiring dialysis or a kidney transplant, regardless of age or disability status.

The final stage of kidney failure, where the kidneys can no longer function adequately, requiring dialysis or a transplant for survival.

A professional organization representing eye banks across the United States, promoting eye donation, and setting standards for the recovery, processing, and distribution of donated corneas and other ocular tissues.

A situation where the family of a potential deceased donor declines to authorize organ or tissue donation, even if the individual had previously registered their intent to donate.

A crucial meeting between the OPO staff (often a donation coordinator) and the family of a potential deceased donor to discuss the donation process, answer questions, and obtain consent for donation.

A situation where a family member is ineligible to be an organ or tissue donor due to medical conditions, high-risk behaviors, or other factors that could compromise the safety or success of transplantation.

The federal agency responsible for regulating the safety and effectiveness of drugs, medical devices, and tissue products, including those used in transplantation, ensuring the safety of donated organs and tissues.

A group of individuals who provide guidance and oversight on the financial management and distribution of funds related to organ donation initiatives, such as the Emily Keyes & John W. Buckner Organ and Tissue Donation Awareness Fund.

A secure electronic network that enables the sharing of health information between healthcare providers and organizations, facilitating access to critical patient data for OPOs and transplant centers in evaluating potential donors and recipients.

The Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act of 1996 (HIPAA) is a federal law that required the creation of national standards to protect sensitive patient health information from being disclosed without the patient's consent or knowledge. The US Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) issued the HIPAA Privacy Rule to implement the requirements of HIPAA. The HIPAA Security Rule protects a subset of information covered by the Privacy Rule. This federal law that protects the privacy and security of patient health information includes donor and recipient information.

The Health Resources and Services Administration is an agency of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. It is the primary federal agency for improving access to health care services for people who are uninsured, isolated or medically vulnerable.

The degree of compatibility between the tissues of a donor and recipient, primarily determined by matching human leukocyte antigens (HLAs), crucial for minimizing the risk of organ rejection after transplantation.

Proteins found on the surface of cells that play a key role in the immune system's ability to recognize self versus non-self. HLA typing is essential for matching organ donors with recipients to reduce the risk of rejection.

High blood pressure, a common health condition that can impact organ function and may be a factor in determining donor suitability or recipient eligibility for transplantation.

A designation indicating a patient is nearing the end of life and may be a potential organ donor, prompting the OPO to initiate the donation process and evaluate the patient's suitability.

The intentional suppression of the immune system using medications to prevent it from attacking and rejecting a transplanted organ or tissue.

The use of medications to suppress the immune system and prevent organ rejection after transplantation, a lifelong necessity for most transplant recipients.

The process of providing potential donors or their families with complete and accurate information about organ and tissue donation, enabling them to make an informed and voluntary decision about donation.

Also known as Type 1 diabetes, a chronic condition where the body produces little or no insulin, potentially impacting organ function and influencing donor suitability or recipient eligibility.

A specialized hospital unit where critically ill patients receive close monitoring and care, often the setting where potential organ donors are identified and managed.

Bleeding within the skull, a type of stroke that can lead to brain death and potentially make a patient eligible for organ donation.

Bleeding within the ventricles (fluid-filled spaces) of the brain, a serious condition that can impact brain function and may influence organ donation eligibility.

A measure used to estimate the likelihood that a kidney from a deceased donor will function successfully after transplantation, aiding in the matching and allocation process.

A healthy individual who chooses to donate a kidney or part of their liver to a recipient in need of transplantation.

A legal document that outlines a person's decision regarding medical treatment if they become incapacitated, which may include their desire to be an organ and tissue donor.

A determination made by an OPO that organ donation is not feasible due to challenges such as distance, transportation, or other logistical barriers.

The process used by medical professionals to systematically exclude potential medical conditions or diagnoses in a potential donor through examination, testing, and review of medical history.

A month-long observance in April dedicated to raising awareness about the importance of registering as an organ, eye, and tissue donor. It also honors donors and their families who have given the gift of life.

A non-profit organization dedicated to the awareness, prevention, and treatment of kidney disease, supporting patients awaiting kidney transplantation and promoting organ donation.

The National Organ Transplant Act (NOTA) was passed by Congress in 1984 to address the country's organ donation shortage and improve the organ matching process. The act established the Organ Procurement and Transplantation Network (OPTN) to match organs and individuals nationwide. The OPTN is a private nonprofit organization that operates under a federal contract with the United Network for Organ Sharing (UNOS).

The closest living relative(s) of a deceased individual, who may be authorized to make decisions about organ donation on behalf of the deceased if no prior designation was made.

An injury resulting from a violent act, which might exclude a potential donor from donation due to concerns about organ viability or disease transmission.

Also known as Type 2 diabetes, this chronic condition can impact organ function and may be a factor in determining donor suitability or recipient eligibility for transplantation.

NATCO is a professional organization that is committed to the advancement of organ, eye and tissue donation and transplantation.

A medical determination that an individual does not meet the criteria for brain death, which is a prerequisite for organ donation after cardiac death in most cases.

A federal law that ensures safe and healthy working conditions for employees, including those working in OPOs, transplant centers, and other healthcare settings involved in organ donation and transplantation.

The complex system managed by the OPTN that determines the fair and equitable distribution of donated organs to patients on the waiting list based on medical urgency, compatibility, and other factors.

The selfless act of giving one's organs or tissues after death or while alive to save or improve the lives of others in need of transplantation.

The use of specialized techniques and solutions to maintain the viability of organs outside the body after procurement and before transplantation, maximizing the time available for transportation and successful transplantation.

The surgical process of removing organs from a deceased or living donor for transplantation.

The Organ Procurement and Transplantation Network (OPTN) is a unique public-private partnership that links all professionals involved in the U.S. donation and transplantation system. A driving force of the OPTN is to improve the U.S. system so that more life-saving organs are available for transplant.

A non-profit organization designated by the federal government to coordinate organ donation within a specific geographic area, responsible for identifying potential donors, obtaining consent, and facilitating the organ recovery and transplantation process.

The recipient's immune system's response to a transplanted organ, recognizing it as foreign and attacking it, which can lead to organ failure if not managed with immunosuppressive medications.

A ventilation strategy where the patient breathes faster than the ventilator's set rate.

A document outlining the medical treatment plan for a potential organ donor or transplant recipient, including medications, procedures, and goals of care.

A form used to collect a potential transplant recipient's medical history, current health status, and other relevant information to assess their eligibility for organ transplantation.

A record of a potential donor's or transplant recipient's past illnesses, injuries, surgeries, and treatments, which is essential for evaluating their suitability for organ donation or transplantation.

A blockage in one of the pulmonary arteries in the lungs, usually caused by a blood clot, which can be a contraindication for organ donation or a complication after transplantation.

A cardiac arrest rhythm where the heart has electrical activity but no pulse, often leading to death and potentially making a patient eligible for organ donation after cardiac death.

An individual responsible for ensuring compliance with radiation safety regulations at a transplant center or OPO, especially when handling radioactive materials used in certain medical procedures or research related to transplantation.

A facility where organ and tissue recovery procedures are performed.

Incorporated in 2000 as a 501(c) (3) non-profit corporation, RMPEx helps organizations improve performance and achieve results.

A national database that collects and analyzes data on organ transplant recipients and donors, used to monitor transplant outcomes, evaluate organ allocation policies, and conduct research to improve transplantation practices.

A deceased donor who meets specific criteria related to age, health, and cause of death, making their organs suitable for transplantation with a lower risk of complications.

Bleeding in the space between the brain and the tissue covering the brain, which can be a cause of brain death and potentially lead to organ donation.

A group of organs and tissues that work together to perform a specific function, such as the cardiovascular system or the respiratory system, relevant to organ donation as organs are typically transplanted within their respective systems.

The gift of tissues like bone, skin, or corneas from a deceased or living donor, which can improve the quality of life for many recipients.

The process of determining the compatibility between a donor's tissues and a recipient's, to minimize the risk of rejection.

The process of determining the compatibility between a potential donor's and recipient's human leukocyte antigens (HLAs) to minimize the risk of organ rejection after transplantation.

The surgical procedure of transferring an organ or tissue from one person (the donor) to another (the recipient).

A hospital or medical facility authorized and equipped to perform organ and tissue transplants, with specialized teams to evaluate recipients, perform surgeries, and provide post-transplant care.

A standardized format for exchanging information electronically about organ offers and acceptances.

An individual who has received a donated organ or tissue to replace their own failing organ or tissue.

A division of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) focused on public health, which may play a role in setting policies and regulations related to organ donation and transplantation.

The Uniform Anatomical Gift Act (UAGA) is a state and federal law that establishes the legal framework for donating organs and tissues after death.

A model state law that establishes the legal criteria for determining death, including brain death, which is crucial for organ donation after cardiac death.

UNOS is a private, non-profit organization that operates the OPTN under contract with the federal government, managing the national organ transplant system and maintaining the waitlist.

An organization dedicated to advancing research and education in kidney disease and transplantation, contributing to the knowledge base that informs best practices in organ donation and transplantation, ultimately improving outcomes for patients with kidney failure.

This refers to a situation where a potential organ donor has given consent for donation, but for various reasons, their organs are not ultimately used for transplantation. Reasons for UAC can include medical complications, changes in the donor's condition, or logistical issues.

The volume of urine produced by a patient's body over a specific time period. Monitoring urine output is crucial in assessing kidney function, especially in potential organ donors and transplant recipients.

A secure, encrypted connection over a public network, like the internet. In the context of organ donation, VPNs can be used by OPOs and transplant centers to securely access and share sensitive patient data, ensuring confidentiality and compliance with regulations.

A laboratory or division of Eurofins that provides testing services related to organ donation and transplantation. These services can include donor screening, recipient testing, and post-transplant monitoring to ensure the safety and success of organ transplantation.

The time period between the cessation of blood flow to an organ (e.g., after cardiac death) and the start of cold preservation. Minimizing warm ischemic time is critical in preserving organ viability for transplantation.