Almost anyone can donate organs and tissues. Age, health and lifestyle are no restriction. The determining factors are where and how the donor dies and the condition of the organs and tissues. Specialised health professionals assess each person at the time of death to decide which organs and tissues are suitable for donation.

People who drink or smoke may not be able to donate their liver or lungs but may still be able to donate other organs and tissues. People in their 80's have saved the lives of much younger people. People with cancer have been able to donate tissues.

Only a few medical conditions, such as transmissible diseases like HIV, may prevent someone being a donor. A person may not be able to donate for 12 months after having a tattoo.