Allocation

the action or process of allocating or distributing something.

Allograft

a tissue or organ transplant from a human donor to a recipient of the same species who is not an identical twin

Brain Death

irreversible cessation of all functions of the entire brain, including the brainstem

Circulatory Death

occurs when organs are recovered for transplant after the irreversible cessation of heart and breathing functions

Connective Tissue

a fundamental, widespread tissue type in the body that supports, anchors, and links other tissues and organs

Cross-Matching

the final, essential pre-transfusion compatibility test, often referred to as a major crossmatch, that mixes donor red blood cells with recipient plasma to detect antibodies and prevent severe transfusion reactions.

Deceased Donor

a person who has recently passed away—typically declared brain dead or, less commonly, dead by cardiac criteria—and whose organs or tissues are recovered for transplantation with consent.

Donor Registry

A donor registry is a secure, confidential database that records an individual's legal consent to donate organs, eyes, and tissues after death.

Immunosuppressive Drugs

medications that inhibit immune system activity to prevent organ transplant rejection, treat autoimmune diseases (e.g., lupus, rheumatoid arthritis), and manage severe allergies.

Living Donor

a safe, voluntary process where a living person donates an organ—most commonly a kidney or part of the liver—to someone needing a transplant.

National Organ Transplant Act (NOTA)

Passed in 1984, the National Organ Transplant Act (NOTA) established the legal framework for organ donation in the U.S., specifically outlawing the sale of human organs and establishing the Organ Procurement and Transplantation Network (OPTN). It authorized the creation of a national, equitable system for sharing organs, managed under federal contract.

Organ Donation

the process of surgically transferring healthy organs (heart, kidneys, lungs, pancreas, liver, intestines) or tissues (corneas, skin, tendons, bone) from a donor to a recipient in need.

Organ Preservation

static cold storage and machine perfusion

Organ Procurement

An organ procurement organization (OPO) is a non-profit entity designated by the federal government to manage the entire process of deceased organ donation within a specific geographic region. They serve as the "front line," bridging the gap between donor hospitals and transplant centers to facilitate life-saving transplants.

Organ Viability

the functional survival of organs outside the body for transplantation

Recipient

a person or thing that receives or is awarded something.

Rejection

the painful, universal experience of being dismissed or excluded, often causing feelings of inadequacy, shame, or social anxiety.

Tendons

tough, fibrous, and inelastic bands of collagen tissue that connect muscle to bone, facilitating joint movement and absorbing shock

Tissue

a group of similar cells and extracellular matrix working together to perform specific functions

Transplant Center

A transplant center is a specialized hospital unit or facility that performs organ transplants, including evaluation, surgery, and post-operative care. These centers are defined by their ability to provide comprehensive care for transplant recipients, must be Medicare-approved, and hold membership in the Organ Procurement and Transplantation Network (OPTN)

Waiting List

a managed queue for limited services, housing, or admissions