From the time of brain death to the time the body is released to
the funeral home can range from 6 to 12 hours depending on the
circumstances. The donation process involves discussing donation
with the family, interviewing the family about the potential donor's
health history and completing and signing the consent forms, and
the donation surgery. The surgery itself usually takes about four
to six hours if all organs are donated. If fewer organs are
donated, this time may be somewhat shorter. If tissues are also
donated, several additional hours in the operating room may be
required after organ donation surgery is completed.

The numbers of staff and logistics involved in just one donation
are very complex. Since donation surgery teams may be flying in
from several farflung locations, there is also a flurry of phone
calls, medical tests to complete and review, medical staff to
consult, etc. The organ procurement organization team and all
of the surgical teams know that the family wants to move on
with the funeral arrangements and everyone tries to keep that in
mind while also ensuring that the maximum number of organs
that are suitable can be donated.