Patients
Today, the success of the U.S. organ transplantation system requires the cooperation of many people and highly sophisticated technology. And it is all dependent on gifts of selfless generosity from donors and families who have chosen to enhance the lives of others through organ donation.
Resources by organ
About transplantation
Find a transplant hospitalHistory of transplantation
Read about the history of organ donation and transplantation.
History of transplantationThe transplant team
A successful organ transplant requires the coordination of many people and organizations.
The transplant teamTransplant process
Transplant data show that more and more people receive transplants every year and that many people with transplants are living longer than ever before.
Transplant processHow organ allocation works
Matching is the key to connecting individuals waiting for a life-saving transplant with compatible donor organs.
How organ allocation worksMultiple listing
Find answers to frequently asked questions about multiple listing and waiting time transfer.
Multiple listingPediatric transplant
A guide for when your child needs a transplant.
Pediatric transplantAbout donation
OPTN glossaryOverview of organ donation
Advances in transplantation science are helping to save more lives than ever.
Overview of organ donationDeceased donation
The donation process begins with a decision. You decide you want to help people with end-stage disease by donating your organs when you die.
Deceased donationLiving donation
Living donation offers another choice for transplant candidates, and it extends the supply of organs.
Living donationKidney paired donation
Kidney paired donation (KPD) is a transplant option for those waiting for a kidney transplant. It is for patients who have a willing living donor.
Kidney paired donationHow organs are matched
When transplant hospitals accept patients onto the waiting list, the patients are registered in a centralized, national computer network that links all donors and transplant candidates.
How organs are matched