Organ donation in the United States: 1990-1998

1. There were 5,799 cadaver and 4,274 living donors recovered in 1998, 29% and 101% increases, respectively, over those recovered in 1990. 2. The number of cadaver donors aged 50 or older has increased from 16% of all donors in 1990 to 29% of all donors in 1998. 3. The typical cadaver donor in 1998 was a White male with ABO blood type O between the ages of 18-34. In 1998, a typical living donor was a White female with ABO blood type O between the ages of 35-49. 4. Between 1990 and 1998, the percentage of minority donors increased for cadaver donors (18% to 24%), and for living donors (24% to 27%). 5. The number of living donors who were either spouses or unrelated to the recipient increased from 5% in 1990 to 18% in 1998. 6. California (10.2%) was most often listed as the state of residence for cadaver donors, followed by Texas (7.3%) and Florida (7.0%). 7. Cadaver donors are recovered most often on Tuesdays (15.2%), followed by Wednesdays (14.6%) and Fridays (14.3%). 8. Living donors are recovered most often on Wednesdays (32.4%), followed by Tuesdays (27.5%) and Thursdays (21.3%). 9. Cadaver donors are recovered most often in August and May (8.8%), followed by July and October (8.7%). 10. Living donors are recovered most often in June (10.5%), followed by July (10.0%) and August (8.3%). 11. In 1998, there were 21.4 donors recovered per million population in the United States.