Organ donation in the United States: 1988-2002

1. There were 6,187 deceased and 6,618 living donors recovered in 2002, a 52% and 263% increase over those recovered in 1988. 2. The number of deceased donors aged 50 or older has increased from 12% of all donors in 1988 to 31% of all donors in 2002. 3. The typical deceased donor in 2002 was a White male with ABO blood type O between the ages of 18-34. In 2002, a typical living donor was a White female with ABO blood type O between the ages of 35-49. 4. Between 1988-2002, the percentage of minority donors increased among deceased donors (17% to 28%), and among living donors (24% to 29%). 5. The percentage of living donors who were either spouses or unrelated to the recipient increased from 5% in 1988 to 30% in 2002. 6. In 2002, California (10.2%) was most often listed as the state of residence for deceased donors, followed by Texas (7.9%) and Florida (6.7%). 7. In 2002, deceased donors were recovered most often on Tuesdays (15.7%), followed by Wednesdays (14.9%) and Thursdays (14.6%). 8. In 2002, living donors were recovered most often on Tuesdays (27.1%), followed by Wednesdays (26.8%) and Thursdays (20.3%). 9. In 2002, deceased donors were recovered most often in May (8.9%), followed by August (8.7%), and October (8.7%). 10. In 2002, living donors are recovered most often in July (10.0%), followed by June (9.0%) and May (8.8%).