A member asked:

Can the organs from people who have oded be used for transplant?

8 doctors weighed in across 2 answers

Perhaps: Some individuals that become brain dead after a drug over dose can become organ donors. If the organs in question are functioning, they can be removed. However, there may be increased risk for the transfer of infections such as hepatitis b and c, and HIV that are often associated with illicit drug use. Careful testing for these infections and informed consent from the recipient is needed.

Answered 10/3/2016

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Dr. Jonathan Fridell answered

Specializes in General Surgery

Transplant: Assuming that organ function is preserved, certainly. If IV drugs were used, then these donors are classified as cdc high risk. This means that there is an increased risk of viral infection with hiv, hcv or hbv compared to general population. With current nat testing, the window during which the donor would have needed to become infected to have a false negative viral screen is 1.5-2 weeks.

Answered 1/12/2015

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Related Questions

A member asked:

Which parts of the body can be transplanted?

A doctor has provided 1 answer