Record Tissue Donations in Spain Reach New Heights in 2024
In 2024, Spain set a new record for tissue donations, with 7,429 donors enabling over 54,000 implants and leading Europe in donation rates.
- • Spain recorded 7,429 tissue donors in 2024, the highest ever.
- • Donation rate reached 152.6 per million population, led by Catalonia at 253.6 pmp.
- • Osteotendinous and ocular tissues were the most donated types, with 34,333 and 6,845 implants respectively.
- • The ONT report aligns with EU data collection standards and highlights the critical role of tissue donation in healthcare.
Key details
Spain has achieved a historic milestone in tissue donation in 2024, with 7,429 individuals becoming donors, the highest number ever recorded. This resulted in 54,474 tissue implants across various clinical fields, reflecting a donation rate of 152.6 per million population (pmp), according to the Organización Nacional de Trasplantes (ONT).
The number of tissue donors increased by 60% compared to the previous year, with postmortem donations rising 13%. Catalonia led the nation with a donation rate of 253.6 pmp, followed by Navarra and Comunidad Valenciana. Osteotendinous tissue donations were predominant, with 2,888 donors providing 51,738 units, primarily used in orthopedic and maxillofacial surgeries. Ocular tissue donations rose by 12%, supporting 6,845 implants, mainly corneal transplants.
Besides these, cardiac tissue donations involved 260 donors, including pediatric donors, resulting in 198 valve implants. Other donated tissues included skin, vascular segments, and placenta. Spain’s extensive network comprises 94 establishments for processing and storage, 239 collection centers, and 933 authorized implant centers.
According to the ONT, one tissue donor can benefit nearly 100 patients, underscoring the critical impact of tissue donation on healthcare. Unlike organs, tissues can be stored longer, enhancing availability for patients. The ONT's 2024 report also aligns with new European Union data collection standards and the EU Regulation on Human Origin Substances, reinforcing Spain’s leading role within Europe.
This article was synthesized and translated from native language sources to provide English-speaking readers with local perspectives.
