 which organs can be transplanted, kidneys, heart, liver, lungs, pancreas and the small bowel can all be transplanted, techniques are improving all the time and we may soon be able to transplant other parts of the body to help even more people. Can I agree to donate some organs or tissue and not others? Yes, if you choose to join the NHS organ donor register then you can specify which organs you would wish to donate. Just tick the appropriate boxes on the form. Don't forget to let your family know your organ donation decision. Would my face or limbs be used for transplant? Deemed consent will not apply to face, limbs or sexual organs. These types of transplant require express consent either from you during your lifetime or from your family after death. How do they know you are really dead? Organs are only removed for transplant after a person has died. Death is confirmed by doctors at consultant level who are independent of the transplant team. Death is confirmed in the same way for people who donate organs and those who do not. The family are kept fully informed and if organ donation is possible the organ donor register is checked and discussions are had with family members. Can people buy or sell organs? No. The transplant laws in the UK ban the sale of human organs or tissue. Can I be a donor if I have an existing medical condition? Yes, in most circumstances. Having a medical condition does not necessarily prevent a person from becoming an organ or tissue donor. The decision about whether some or all organs or tissue are suitable for transplant is made by a healthcare professional taking into account your medical history. There is only one condition where organ donation is ruled out completely. A person cannot become an organ or tissue donor if they have or are suspected of having CJD. In very rare cases the organs of donors with HIV or Hep C have been used to help others with the same conditions. This is only ever carried out. When both parties have the condition all donors have rigorous checks to guard against infection. Who will get my organs and tissue if I become a donor? Many things need to match or be very close to ensure a successful organ transplant. Blood group, age and weight are all taken into account. For kidneys another important factor is tissue type which is much more complex than blood grouping. The best results can be achieved if a perfect match is found. There is a national computerised list of patients waiting for an organ transplant. The computer will identify the best matched patient for an organ or the transplant unit to which the organ is to be offered. Normally priority is given to patients who most urgently need a transplant. NHSBT operates the transplant list and donor organ allocation system. It works round the clock every day of the year and covers the whole of the UK. Tissue is very occasionally matched for example for size and tissue type but otherwise is freely available to any patient in need of a transplant. I only want to donate some of my organs. I do not want to donate a specific organ or tissue. Can I still do this? Yes. If you register a decision to be an organ donor you'll be able to choose to donate all organs and tissues or as you can now select specific organs and tissues to donate. Do I need to carry a donor card if I join the register? No. But many people like to keep one to remind them of their donation decision. It can also help start a conversation with family and friends about their organ donation decisions and encourage others to think about organ donation. If you register a decision opt in or opt out you'll be sent a letter confirming this from NHS Blood and Transplant. Is there an age limit for joining the NHS organ donor register or becoming a donor? There is no age limit for joining a register and recording your organ donation decision. It is the donor's physical condition not age which is the deciding factor for most donations. For cornea donation there is currently an upper age limit of 80 years. There is also an age limit of 60 years for the donation of heart valves and tendons. For other tissue donation such as bone and skin there is no age limit. Organs from people in their 70s and 80s have been transplanted successfully. Specialist healthcare professionals decide in each case which organs and tissues are suitable for donation. I don't need to tell my family that I want to be a donor because I have it written in my will. By the time your will is read it will be too late to donate your organs. Telling your family that you want to be an organ donor and registering your decision will help ensure your decision is respected. Want more information? Go to organdonationwales.org or call 0300 123 223 23. facebook.com forward slash organ donation wales twitter.com forward slash org donation CYM If you need any additional information or support please contact WalesCancel for Deaf people voice 01443 485 687 text 01443 485 686 email mail at wcdeaf.org.uk