How long can an organ survive inside and outside the body

A deceased organ donor is kept on a ventilator after she/he has been declared brain-dead. They will remain on the ventilator until necessary approvals are taken and the organs can be retrieved. A Brain stem Dead person's organs may stay alive for a period of time that may range from a few days to a few weeks. The longer it takes to retrieve the organs, the more they will deteriorate inside the body. Therefore, the entire process of taking counselling of the family, taking permissions etc. should be quickly taken care of. For this to happen, families need to be able to make their decision soon after the brain death has been declared.

Once the organs have been retrieved, they cannot be kept outside the body for very long and need to be transplanted fast.

Heart & Lungs 4-6 hours
Liver 6-12 hours
Kidneys Up to 30 hours
Intestine 6 hours
Pancreas 6 hours

The family of the donor will not receive anything, and the recipient is not charged for the organs. The recipients however will have to pay the costs of transplantation to the hospital where they are being operated. After the donor family gives consent for organ donation, all costs relating to the donor are borne by the hospital.