Organ Donation Week 2026: Organ donation is considered the greatest life-saving gift, but can everyone donate an organ? Today, we will discuss this question in detail. In reality, merely expressing a willingness to donate is not enough; factors such as the donor's age, health, and medical fitness are also evaluated. Doctors conduct various tests, especially when a living person is donating a kidney or a portion of their liver. The final decision is made following a comprehensive medical assessment by experts. On the occasion of Organ Donation Week, let us find the correct answers to all questions related to organ donation.
What should the age for organ donation be?
In the case of living organ donation, the donor must be at least 18 years old. A person under the age of 18 cannot serve as a living organ donor. The 18–21 age group is considered a category requiring special evaluation for kidney donation. While older individuals can also be potential donors under certain circumstances, their medical condition, organ function, and the presence of other diseases undergo detailed assessment.
The rules for organ donation after death differ. A deceased person's suitability for organ donation is determined at the time of death. Age, in itself, is not an absolute barrier to organ donation; the medical team determines the suitability of specific organs and tissues.
What should the BMI be?
There is no single universal BMI limit for organ donation. It depends on which organ is being donated and the donor's overall health status. However, for living kidney donation, a BMI exceeding 35 kg/m² is classified as an absolute contraindication. A BMI between 30 and 35 is considered a relative risk, and such cases may be considered based on an individual medical assessment.
Therefore, one cannot determine whether a person can donate an organ based solely on their BMI. Doctors also assess weight, height, blood pressure, blood sugar, kidney function, heart health, and other essential parameters.
What should blood pressure levels be?
There is no single, fixed blood pressure figure applicable to everyone regarding organ donation. Specifically, when evaluating a potential living kidney donor, doctors assess whether the individual has high blood pressure, the number of medications they are taking, and whether there is any resulting damage to other organs.
For kidney donor evaluations, factors such as high blood pressure accompanied by evidence of organ damage, or the need for three or more blood pressure medications in individuals under 50, may be grounds for disqualification. Therefore, a single instance of elevated blood pressure does not determine eligibility; doctors make decisions based on a comprehensive review of medical records and test results.
Which medical conditions can make living organ donation difficult?
Diabetes, severe obesity, certain heart diseases, severe vascular disease, specific lung conditions, and kidney-related issues are considered significant risk factors for living kidney donation. Conditions such as diabetes, a BMI exceeding 35, certain types of heart disease, and other serious ailments can act as barriers to organ donation. However, criteria may vary depending on the specific organ and the individual donor.
Therefore, if a person wishes to donate a kidney or a portion of their liver while alive, they should undergo a thorough medical evaluation by specialists at a transplant center. Final eligibility is not determined solely by age, BMI, or a specific blood pressure reading.
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