We're here to help you find answers to your questions.
Whether or not you wish to donate organs is your personal decision. What matters is that you make a choice - it gives you peace of mind and makes things easier for your loved ones in critical moments.
Organ donation
In Switzerland, it is possible to donate up to six different organs: heart, lungs, liver, kidneys, pancreas and small intestine. In addition, various tissues and cells such as the cornea, heart valves, large blood vessels as well as bones, cartilage and tendons can be transplanted. The prerequisites are a documented consent and the unequivocal determination of the donor's brain death. After the organ removal, only a surgical scar remains.
In addition to organs and tissue, blood stem cells can also be transplanted, for example in cases of leukaemia and other blood disorders. This donation takes place during the donor's lifetime: everyone on the register is contacted as soon as their tissue characteristics match those of a patient. People who have received a stem cell transplant belong to our community just as much as organ recipients.
You can find more information about organ donation at Swisstransplant.
Did you know?
How much does a heart weigh? Can all organs be donated? Test your knowledge.
How much does a human heart weigh?
Not quite.
The human heart is roughly the size of a fist and weighs around 300 g in men and around 250 g in women.
How many different organs can be donated in Switzerland?
Not quite.
Heart, lungs, liver, kidneys, pancreas and small intestine - up to six organs.
What is required for an organ donation?
Not quite.
The prerequisites are a documented consent and the unequivocal determination of brain death.
Record your wishes
Whether or not you wish to donate organs - what matters is that you decide and inform your relatives. This brings clarity in a difficult situation and relieves your loved ones.
What does the opt-out model change?
Switzerland is moving to the extended opt-out model: anyone who has not objected during their lifetime is in principle considered a donor - relatives remain involved in the decision. Introduction is planned for around 2027. Until then, the explicit-consent model applies. Either way: actively record your decision.
How to record your decision
Via Swisstransplant's digital decision or donor card - and in an advance directive. Also talk about it with your relatives.
Do you still have questions?
Don't hesitate to get in touch with us. We're happy to answer all your questions.