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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?

Organ donation is a rare event.

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'?

Living donation is when a person donates either a kidney, part of their liver or bone while they are still alive.

What is paired kidney exchange?

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

Is organ and tissue donation against my religion?

All major religions support organ and tissue donation for transplantation.

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.

News and events

Update on our Services of Remembrance

The current pandemic continues to provide challenges throughout Australia, especially for our...

'The greatest gift one human can give to another'

After 28 years battling Cystic Fibrosis, Cody Sheehan became the recipient of a double lung and...

'Her entire life was about helping people': Listen to our latest podcast episode

When John Lowe and his future wife, Louise, first met they talked about many things. Organ...

A new podcast series sharing stories of strength and resilience

Stories of strength and resilience amid adversity are being showcased in a new podcast series...

Our 2020 activity report released

Today we released our 2020 Australian Donation and Transplantation Activity Report.

Take the next step to save a life

Parliamentarians were out in numbers as the Federal Minister responsible for the Organ and...

New grant opportunities open for applications

Applications are now open for up to $4 million over four years for national partnerships and up...

Our 2020 outcomes data

Today we released our annual outcomes data, outlining Australia’s deceased organ donation and...

National Donor Family Study Wave 4

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

Aussie spirit shines this DonateLife Week

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

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

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

DonateLife Week - Save the date!

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

It only...

See all news and events

How donation saves and changes lives

Read more stories

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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1,650 Australians are currently waitlisted for an organ transplant.

Read the latest facts