Donation after Cardiac Death (DCD)

DCD occurs when a ventilator-dependent patient has a non-survivable brain injury and does not progress to brain death. If the legal next of kin, along with physician input, decide to withdraw ventilator support, the patient may still be considered for organ donation after cardiac death.

Always call OneCall for Life 800-558-LIFE (5433) and request to speak to a clinical coordinator before any withdrawal of support on a patient who meets the three clinical triggers.

The Joint Commission on Accreditation of Healthcare Organizations (JCAHO), released Revisions to Standard LD.3.110 that require all hospitals to have an organ donation policy that addresses opportunities for asystolic recovery/Donation after Cardiac Death (DCD). Lifebanc's DCD protocol will allow some individuals who are being removed from ventilator support, but who do not meet brain death criteria, the option to donate organs.

We have assembled tools such as the Critical Pathway for the DCD Donor to help you with these cases. Lifebanc also has created sample Hospital Policy and Procedures, as well as an in-service for DCD. Both are available to all hospitals through your Lifebanc Representative. 

For medical professionals working with a potential organ or tissue donor, see our Donation Tool Kit.