Donating organs to save lives, in many cases, of complete strangers, is one of the noblest acts a person can undertake. However, many people rule themselves out of organ donation simply because of a health condition or their age, shared nephrologist Dr Prajit Mazumdar in an interaction with HT Lifestyle.
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“This is the biggest misconception in healthcare today,” he stated. “The truth is, doctors decide in each case whether a person’s organs and tissue are suitable for donation, and there are very few conditions where organ donation is ruled out completely.”
Individuals of advanced age, and those with diabetes and high blood pressure, can donate organs if the criteria for donation are satisfied. The doctor explained the conditions, which are presented as follows.
Is there any age limit to becoming an organ donor?
According to Dr Mazumdar, there is no age limit for becoming an organ donor. What really matters is not how old an individual is, but rather how well their organs are functioning.
Doctors often come across donors well into their sixties and seventies whose kidneys, liver, or corneas are in excellent condition and perfectly acceptable for donation.
Even the organs from elderly donors who have deceased may still be viable for transplantation, shared the doctor. As such, the belief that people above a certain age cannot donate organs should be done away with.
Can people with chronic conditions donate their organs?
Having diabetes or high blood pressure does not automatically mean a person cannot become an organ or tissue donor, noted Dr Mazundar. Each organ is assessed individually.
A person’s heart may not be suitable due to long-term high blood pressure, but their kidneys or liver could still be perfectly transplantable.
“The final decision about whether some or all organs or tissue are suitable for transplant is always made by the doctors at the time of donation, taking into account a person’s medical, travel and social history,” he stated.
“It is extremely frustrating when families assume a loved one ‘wasn’t eligible’ to donate simply because of their age or a chronic illness,” added Dr Mazumdar. “With organ shortages remaining a critical global healthcare challenge, understanding that eligibility is determined by organ function rather than age or chronic illness could expand the donor pool.”
Note to readers: This article is for informational purposes only and not a substitute for professional medical advice. Always seek the advice of your doctor with any questions about a medical condition.
Dr Prajit Mazumdar, MBBS, MD, DM, FASN, is a senior consultant in the department of Nephrology and Renal Transplant at Yashoda Medicity. He has expertise in treating patients with chronic kidney disease, diabetic nephropathy, glomerulonephritis, dialysis and renal transplants.
