Transplantation and Organ Donation

Question 1

Why is it only possible to become an organ donor if you die on a mechanical ventilator?

Answer 1

Organs die very quickly after circulation stops so they need to retrieved quickly otherwise they will be no longer useable

Question 2

What are the somatic criteria for death?

Answer 2

Paleness, blueness from blood stasis, coldness, stiffness and decomposition

Question 3

What are the circulatory criteria for death?

Answer 3

Observation for 5 minutes confirming apnoea and absent circulation e.g. ascultation, ecg etc
If there is spontaneous return of circulation then observation should continue for another 5 minutes

Question 4

What are the neurological criteria for death?

Answer 4

Significant brain damage, exclusion of mimiking conditions of death, demonstration of profound coma, apnoea and absent brainstem reflexes