Once You Have Made Your Decision to Donate
A LOPA representative will conduct a medical and social history and multiple laboratory tests to rule out the possibility of infection or other problems that may prevent transplantation. Hepatitis and HIV/AIDS screening are routinely performed on all donors. Families requesting results of these tests should discuss this with the LOPA representative.
While testing is being performed, your loved one must be maintained on the ventilator until after the organs are recovered. We will do everything we can to recover and transplant as many gifts as possible.
The physicians in the operating room performing organ recovery will treat your loved one with dignity and respect. The LOPA coordinator notifies you once the procedure is completed. Organs must be transplanted within 48 hours, sometimes in as little as 4 hours.
The selection of recipient is based upon many factors. Blood type and tissue typing are critical. Working with the United Network of Organ Sharing (UNOS), a LOPA representative will identify recipients who match the donated organs. The recipients are based on greatest need. If possible, the organs will be transplanted in a waiting recipient here in Louisiana.
Donation may cause some delay with funeral arrangements. In some circumstances, delays may be due to a family member or a medical examiner requesting an autopsy. Organ and tissue donation does not prevent an open casket viewing.
Once you have consented to donation you should not be billed for anything related to donation.
