Sequence of events to a successful donation

Every death or "imminent death" in a NJ Sharing Network
affiliated acute care hospital is reported to NJ Sharing Network.
The potential donor is evaluated through a series of tests
to determine if there are any medical reasons to rule
out donation.
Death is declared. For organ donors, this must be done by a state licensed physician who is not a member of the transplant or the organ procurement staff.
Consent for donation is obtained. It may be obtained
either through the family or with a legally binding document such as the donor registry, driver's license, advanced
directive or donor card.
A transplant recipient is identified from the national computer registry operated by the United Network for Organ Sharing (UNOS). The computer program generates a list of potential recipients ranked according to objective medical criteria. Ranking depends upon match, need and waiting time. UNOS policies ensure that all patients have a fair chance at receiving the organ they need - regardless of age, gender, race, lifestyle, religion, financial or social status.
The donated organs are recovered by trained surgeons.
The donated organs are transferred to the transplant hospital where the patient has been identified.