Organ donation in the United States: 1988-2003

There were 6,457 deceased and 6,821 living donors recovered in 2003, a 58% and 274% increase over those recovered in 1988. The number of deceased donors aged 50 or older has increased from 12% of all donors in 1988 to 34% of all donors in 2003. The typical deceased donor in 2003 was a white male with ABO blood type O between the ages of 35-49. In 2003, a typical living donor was a white female with ABO blood type O between the ages of 35-49. Between 1988 and 2003, the percentage of minority donors increased for deceased donors (17% to 30%), and for living donors (24% to 30%). The number of living donors who were either spouses or unrelated to the recipient increased from 5% in 1988 to 33% in 2003. In 2003, California (10.2%) was most often listed as the state of residence for deceased donors, followed by Texas (7.9%) and Florida (6.9%). In 2003, deceased donors were recovered most often on Wednesdays (16.0%), followed by Tuesdays (15.2%) and Thursdays (14.7%). In 2003, living donors were recovered most often on Tuesdays (26.4%), followed by Wednesdays (25.5%) and Thursdays (20.7%). In 2003, deceased donors were recovered most often in October (9.0%), followed by January (8.6%), and July (8.6%). In 2003, living donors are recovered most often in July (10.2%), followed by October (8.9%) and June (8.6%).