Organ donation in the United States: 1988-2000

Based upon information reported to the United Network for Organ Sharing: 1. There were 5,985 cadaveric and 5,702 living donors recovered in 2000, a 47% and 213% increase, respectively, over those recovered in 1988. 2. The number of cadaveric donors aged 50 or older has increased from 12% of all donors in 1988 to 31% of all donors in 2000. 3. The typical cadaveric donor in 2000 was a white male with ABO blood type O between the ages of 18-34. In 2000, a typical living donor was a white female with ABO blood type O between the ages of 35-49. 4. Between 1988-2000, the percentage of minority donors increased for cadaveric donors (17% to 26%), and for living donors (24% to 31%). 5. The number of living donors who were either spouses or unrelated to the recipient increased from 4% in 1988 to 26% in 2000. 6. In 2000, California (9.6%) was most often listed as the state of residence for cadaveric donors, followed by Texas (7.7%) and Florida (7.3%). 7. In 2000, cadaveric donors were recovered most often on Tuesdays (15.0%), followed by Thursdays (14.8%) and Fridays (14.7%). 8. In 2000, living donors were recovered most often on Wednesdays (27.8%), followed by Tuesdays (26.7%) and Thursdays (19.9%). 9. In 2000, cadaveric donors were recovered most often in July (9.2%), followed by September (9.0%), January and April (8.7%). 10. In 2000, living donors were recovered most often in June (9.5%), followed by November (9.2%) and August (9.0%).