Organ and Tissue Authority
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COVID-19

The Organ and Tissue Authority and DonateLife is closely monitoring COVID-19 developments and what they mean for organ donation and transplantation in Australia.

Organ transplant recipients and others with underlying health conditions are urged to follow health advisories issued by the Department of Health as well as local state and territory health departments.

Transplant recipients seeking more information on the potential impact of COVID-19 on vulnerable people should call the 24/7 Coronavirus Health information Line on
1800 020 080.

The Transplantation Society of Australia and New Zealand (TSANZ) has also released advice for transplantation patients around COVID-19.

Frequently asked questions

What is organ and tissue donation?

Organ donation is a life-saving and life-transforming medical process.

Which organs and tissues can be removed?

Organs that can be transplanted include the heart, lungs, liver, kidneys and pancreas.

Who can become an organ and tissue donor?

Almost everyone can help others through organ and tissue donation.

What is the difference between organ and tissue donation?

A far greater number of people have the opportunity to donate tissue for transplantation.

Why do people need transplants?

People who need an organ transplant are very ill or dying because an organ is failing.

How long do people wait for transplants?

Waiting times are usually between six months and four years, but there are cases where the recipient must wait even longer.

What is 'living donation'?

You can donate a kidney or part of your liver while you are still alive and healthy

What is paired kidney exchange?

Most kidney donation happens between people who already know each other. But sometimes it can be difficult to find a good match Their blood types have to correspond and their tissue must be compatible.

Is organ and tissue donation against my religion?

The uncertainty about whether someone's culture or faith supports organ and tissue donation can stop people from deciding about donation or talking about it with loved ones.

I lived in the UK during 'mad cow disease'. Can I donate my organs or tissue?

You may still be able to donate your organs, but not your tissue.

View all FAQs

News and events

National Donor Family Study Wave 4

Study shows prior conversation is key to organ donation...

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Aussie spirit shines this DonateLife Week

The Aussie spirit of doing the right thing by someone in need has shone through in the results...

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DonateLife Week 2020: We say “yes” and “thanks”

This DonateLife Week we have taken our annual campaign digital.  We’ll be celebrating the organ...

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DonateLife Week - Save the date!

DonateLife Week is coming up from 26 July to 2 August 2020!

It only...

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National DonateLife Service of Remembrance

Every year, DonateLife agencies across the country hold Services of Remembrance to honour organ...

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Community Awareness Grants announcement

In light of isolation measures put in place by the Australian Government due to COVID-19, the...

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1,683 Australian lives were saved through organ donation in 2019

The lives of 1,683 Australians were saved last year by organ transplants made possible through...

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OTA statement: Review of the Australian organ donation, retrieval and transplantation system

The Organ and Tissue Authority (OTA) welcomes the Review of the Australian organ donation,...

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Make registering your New Year’s resolution

If you’re still looking for a resolution for the New Year, Minister for Regional Services,...

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Australian tissue banks assist with White Island, New Zealand disaster

The Organ and Tissue Authority are pleased Australia (Vic/NSW) was able to assist so quickly on...

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Organ and Tissue Authority Statement

The Organ and Tissue Authority (OTA) has been advised that a number of letters between donor...

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A day to thank organ and tissue donors and their families

The generosity of organ donors and their families that have enabled the lives of transplant...

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See all news and events

Organ and tissue donation in Australia

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    Australia leads the world for successful organ and tissue transplants.

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    9 out of 10 families agree to donation if their family member was registered on the Australian organ donor register.

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    More than 1,700 Australians are currently waitlisted for an organ transplant.

Read the latest facts