Season of Harvest Inspires Use of Proper Donation Terminology
As the change in fall colors surrounds Ohio, the Season of Harvest reminds us of medical buzz words we avoid using in the donation community.
Organ, eye and tissue donation and transplantation provides life-saving gifts to individuals in need. Out
Thanks to Stephanie Kuzminski at NJ Sharing Network for the photo!
of respect for all of our generous donors and donor families, here are preferred terms to use when discussing donation:
Appropriate Term v. Inappropriate Term
“recover” organs “harvest” organs
“recovery” of organs “harvesting” of organs
“donation” of organs “harvesting” of organs
“donation” of organs “harvesting” of organs
“recover” organs “procure” organs
“recovery” of organs “procuring” organs
“deceased” donation “cadaveric” donation
“deceased” donation “cadaver” donation
“deceased” donor “cadaver” donor
“mechanical” support “life” support
“ventilator” support “life” support
“Organ Donation after Cardiac Death” “non-heart beating donation”
“deteriorating to brain death” “progressing to brain death”
“determine brain death” “declare brain death”
“authorization given” “obtained consent”
“donated organs and tissues” “donated body parts”
We thank you for joining us is using proper language to celebrate the gifts of life made possible by organ, eye and tissue donors! Now, time for some pumpkin pie.