What is the actual process for organ donation/transplantation?

1.   A potential donor is identified and the transplant centre is notified.

2.   A computerized program ensures that the organs are referred to the most urgent patients.

3.   The recipient is brought to the transplant centre (he/she may be waiting at home or at another Canadian hospital).

4.   At the same time, the transplant team flies to wherever the donor is to retrieve the organs and ensure that they are functioning well.

5.   The organs are flushed with a preserving solution and brought back to the transplant centre.

6.   The surgery takes place.

7.  The recipient is immediately started on medications to prevent organ rejection and infection.