Health
Fact-checked

At WiseGEEK, we're committed to delivering accurate, trustworthy information. Our expert-authored content is rigorously fact-checked and sourced from credible authorities. Discover how we uphold the highest standards in providing you with reliable knowledge.

Learn more...

What Is a Donor Card?

B. Chisholm
B. Chisholm

A donor card may be carried by any person who has pledged to donate their organs or tissues after they die. Most countries have an Organ Donor Registry with which potential donors register and then receive their donor card. Organ and tissue donation has resulted in thousands of lives saved by transplant throughout the world.

With the advancement of modern medicine over time, organ transplantation has become possible in numerous medical scenarios from heart or liver failure to prevention of amputation in cancer patients. After a person dies, some of their organs and tissues may be transplanted into another person's body, providing that they are genetically similar. Organs that can be transplanted include kidneys, lungs, liver, small bowel and pancreas. In most countries a donor can choose which organs he or she is happy to donate, which will usually be reflected on the donor card.

Individuals who pledge to donate organs or tissue upon death may carry a donor card.
Individuals who pledge to donate organs or tissue upon death may carry a donor card.

Should a person be an organ donor, it is essential that the organs are obtained as soon as possible after death. It is for this reason that it is recommended that the donor card is carried at all times, in case of an accident. When deciding to become an organ donor it is wise to inform family or next of kin.

Tissues such as skin, tendons, corneas, tendons, heart valves and cartilage can be donated up to 48 hours after the time of death. Donation of these tissues can help restore vision, give skin grafts to burn victims and repair bone damage. Again, which parts of the body are chosen to be donated is completely up to the donor and should be reflected on the donor card.

People with donor cards often donate blood.
People with donor cards often donate blood.

Once registered with the organ donor association, a donor card will be sent which is usually filled in by the donor themselves. It usually has their personal details and which organs or tissues they wish to donate, if they wish to specify this. In most countries the donor card is signed by both the donor and one or two witnesses, preferably the next of kin.

Signing up with the registry will ensure that, should the donor not have the donor card on them at the time of death, their organs can still be donated.
Signing up with the registry will ensure that, should the donor not have the donor card on them at the time of death, their organs can still be donated.

It is important to both carry the card at all times and sign up on the registry. Signing up with the registry will ensure that, should the donor not have the donor card on them at the time of death, their organs can still be donated. Time is of essence, especially in organ transplantation, so this can make the difference between being able to donate or not.

Discuss this Article

Post your comments
Login:
Forgot password?
Register:
    • Individuals who pledge to donate organs or tissue upon death may carry a donor card.
      By: RioPatuca Images
      Individuals who pledge to donate organs or tissue upon death may carry a donor card.
    • People with donor cards often donate blood.
      By: chanawit
      People with donor cards often donate blood.
    • Signing up with the registry will ensure that, should the donor not have the donor card on them at the time of death, their organs can still be donated.
      By: CandyBox Images
      Signing up with the registry will ensure that, should the donor not have the donor card on them at the time of death, their organs can still be donated.
    • An organ recipient and donor must have the same blood type.
      By: Tyler Olson
      An organ recipient and donor must have the same blood type.