Frequently Asked Questions

How do I become a donor?

If you are interested in becoming a donor, please consider the following the steps:

1. The most important step is to share your decision with your family and friends to prevent any uncertainty at the time of your death. Unless you have made your wishes known, the final decision is up to your surviving next of kin.
2. Sign the blue "Donor Card" issued with your drivers' license renewal, agreeing to donate. If you don't have a donor card and would like to receive one, please contact us at 940-1750 as we would be happy to send one to you.

How do I know if my loved one wanted to be a tissue donor?

If your loved one did not share his/her decision to donate with you prior to their death, check their wallet for a donor card. If there is no donor card, then it's up to the next-of-kin to make the decision about tissue donation.

Will tissue donation change my family's funeral arrangements?

No, after the time of death, tissue recovery will take place as soon as possible. Recoveries for eye donation must take place within 6 hours of the time of death and recovery for other tissue must take place within 15 hours of death.

Tissues are recovered with the same care and attention, as in any other surgical procedure. The donor is treated with respect and is carefully reconstructed after surgery, allowing for a normal open casket viewing.

Are there any age limits for donation?

No, there are no age restrictions for tissue donation. The eligibility for donation is determined by the medical history review and wishes of the family.

What needs to be done for tissue donation?

In order to prevent disease transmission from donor to recipient, blood samples must be taken from the donor to test for major communicable diseases.

A detailed medical and social history must also be taken to ensure that the specific type of tissue donated meets the criteria for donation and helps to protect tissue recipients. Each question is required by Health Canada and is similar to those required when donating blood.

There are no financial costs to the donor, the estate or the donor's family in relation to tissue donation.