Types of Donors
Disadvantages
Instances of commercialization of human organs such as reports of kidneys stolen from the poor and needy has to a large extent restricted the wide spread use of these type of donors. Such instances are not only unethical, but also lead to poor results and increase the chances of HIV, HBV transmission. It is now necessary for the potential donor to be evaluated by a hospital appointed committee before such a transplant can take place. It can only be permitted if it is medically and ethically acceptable.
Cadaver donors:
This type of donation is commonly seen following an accident or a situation that has resulted in damage to the brain. In these individuals, a part of the brain known as the brain stem fails to function. If this happens, the patient is said to have been brain dead and they cannot be revived by any known medical treatment. Although brain death has occurred, heart and other organs such as the lungs, and kidneys may still continue to function in these individuals. It is therefore possible to transplant organs from brain dead individual to a person in need of it.
While selecting this type of donors, every measure must be taken to ensure that the donor does not have any disease (hypertension, diabetes, cancer, HIV, HBV) that could affect the outcome of the transplantation. With respect to renal transplants, donors aged between 2 and 60 years can be considered.
