One tissue donor can enhance the lives of more than 50 people.
In case of tissue donation, for which most deceased persons can be potential donors, the local
tissue recovery organization receives a referral from a hospital, medical examiner or funeral
home notifying them that an individual has died. An initial determination of donor eligibility is
made based on basic criteria and available information (i.e., age, cause of death, immediate
evidence of infection, etc.). If it is determined that the deceased individual is a candidate for
donation, the state donor registry is searched and one or more persons who know the potential
donor are contacted for a medical and social history. If the potential donor is not found on the
registry, his or her legally authorized representative (usually a spouse, relative or close friend) is
offered the opportunity to authorize the donation. Tissue donation must be initiated within 24
hours of death. Unlike organs, tissue can be processed and stored for an extended period of time
for use in burn cases, ligament repair, bone replacement, etc. (American Association of Tissue
Banks, 2010).