title: Organ donation and transplantation.
abstract: Medical imaging plays a key role in many aspects of organ donation, procurement and transplantation. Imaging techniques are used to confirm a diagnosis of brain death, measure organs, assess potential donors and recipients, and evaluate the success of surgery. This article offers an overview of organ donation and transplantation. After completing this article, readers will: Understand what U.S. laws apply to organ donation and which organizations play a part in the transplant process. Describe methods for determining death. Explain how organs are procured and allocated. Describe the role medical imaging plays in organ donation and transplantation. Discuss the controversies surrounding organ donation.
authors.forename: Elizabeth J
authors.initials: EJ
authors.lastname: Church
mesh_terms: D001926:Brain Death / Q000175:diagnosis*; D004569:Electroencephalography; D005544:Forecasting; D015276:Health Care Rationing; D049673:History, 20th Century; D006801:Humans; D007258:Informed Consent; D016377:Organ Transplantation / Q000266:history / Q000331:legislation & jurisprudence; D014019:Tissue Donors; D009927:Tissue and Organ Procurement / Q000379:methods* / Q000458:organization & administration; D014850:Waiting Lists