Macao issues brain death standards to regulate organ transplantation

MACAO -- Macao's first standards and regulations about brain death will become effective in 180 days, the special administrative region's (SAR) health authorities said Monday.

According to Health Bureau of Macao SAR, the Brain Death Standards and Regulations has been signed by the SAR chief executive, and will become effective in 180 days.

Macao's life and science ethics committee had two meetings in July and October, 2015 respectively to discuss this issue, and then passed the final version of standards and regulations about brain death on Oct. 30, 2015.

Health Bureau said the standards will not only promote the organ transplantation practice, but also optimize the usage of medical resources. Specific test method for brain death and guide for organ transplantation will be issued later.

Brain death is the complete and irreversible loss of brain function, including involuntary activity to sustain life. It is used to determine death in many countries and regions, and is often taken as the basis for the surgical removal of organs for transplant.