ORGAN and Tissue Donor Month is held in August every year, and although there is a vast amount of information available on the topic, there is also an endless number of myths out there, as well.
Tissue donation refers to the donation of human tissue, such as skin, bone, heart valves and corneas.
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Busting the myths this month is Cindy Goldie, transplant manager for Lenmed eThekwini Hospital and Heart Centre.
“Studies indicate that having no knowledge, limited knowledge or an understanding framed by misinformation or myths, impacts an individual’s response to the concept of organ donation and transplantation. Additionally, cultural and traditional beliefs play a major role,” she said.
Some of the myths are that only some people qualify to register as organ and tissue donors, common health conditions exclude you from becoming a donor and registered donors receive inadequate medical care in hospitals.
“These are all myths. Medical professionals are legally obliged to do everything they can to save a life. Anyone can register to be a donor. A representative of the Organ Donor Foundation (ODF) will contact you to complete the registration and answer any questions,” she said.
Goldie added that age and some medical conditions do prohibit certain individuals from becoming organ donors at the time of death, but very few conditions will immediately rule you out from donating organs and tissue.
“Each donor is assessed at the time of donation. It is all dependent on urgency, especially with older donors. For example, any age will be considered for corneas if there is a child with a lacerated cornea at risk of losing their eye,” she said.
“If you’re having a hip replacement done, donate the old one. You can also donate just some organs and tissue. Many people do,” she added.
“Please have the conversation with your family, as they would have to sign consent even if you do register. It’s always good to have a file in your home with all the important information, policies, passwords and the like,” she added.
For more information on organ and tissue donation, visit www.odf.org.za.
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