Organ donation in the United States: 1988-2001

Based upon information reported to the United Network for Organ Sharing (UNOS) as of December 12, 2002: 1. There were 6,082 cadaveric and 6,535 living donors recovered in 2001, a 49% and 258% increase over those recovered in 1988. 2. The number of cadaveric donors aged 50 or older increased from 12% of all donors in 1988 to 31% of all donors in 2001. 3. The typical cadaveric donor in 2001 was a white male with ABO blood type O between the ages of 35-49. In 2001, a typical living donor was a white female with ABO blood type O between the ages of 35-49. 4. Between 1988-2001, the percentage of minority donors increased for cadaveric donors (from 17% to 27%), and for living donors (from 24% to 30%). 5. The percentage of living donors who were either spouses or unrelated to the recipient increased from 5% in 1988 to 27% in 2001. 6. In 2001, California (10.2%) was most often listed as the state of residence for cadaveric donors, followed by Texas (7.9%) and Florida (7.2%). 7. In 2001, cadaveric donors were recovered most often on Tuesdays (15.1%), followed by Sundays (14.7%) and Mondays (14.6%). 8. In 2001, living donors were recovered most often on Wednesdays (28.7%), followed by Tuesdays (25.9%) and Thursdays (19.5%). 9. In 2001, cadaveric donors were recovered most often in October (9.2%), followed by May (9.0%), and August (8.8%). 10. In 2001, living donors were recovered most often in August (9.4%), followed by July (9.4%) and October (9.1%).