Protocols
The NTS draws up protocols and guidelines together with the medical field. In this way, we guarantee the quality of organ and tissue donation in the Netherlands.
Model protocol
The Model Protocol for Post-Mortem Organ and Tissue Donation describes the donation procedure step by step.
Brain death protocol
The brain death protocol describes the examinations that a physician is legally required to perform to establish brain death.
Child as Donor protocol
The Child as Donor protocol describes how the donation procedure works for children up to the age of 18. Download the Child as Donor protocol
Donation after euthanasia guidelines
An euthanasia patient may wish to become an organ donor. View the guideline that implements this.
Donation quality standard
The Donation Quality Standard is the legal framework for discussing registration in the Donor Register with next of kin.
Other protocols
Guide to the Quality and Safety of Organs for Transplantation
European guideline with the latest insights and standards for organ donation and transplantation, based on recent scientific research.
- Publication: European Directorate for the Quality of Medicines & HealthCare (EDQM), Council of Europe. 9th edition – 2025
Liver transplantation protocols
The National Liver Transplantation Consultation (LOL) of the Dutch Transplantation Society (NTV) draws up protocols for liver transplantation.
Kidney transplantation protocols
The National Kidney Transplantation Consultation (LONT) of the Dutch Transplantation Society (NTV) draws up protocols for kidney transplantation.
Kidney protocols (NTV website)
Cross-over kidney transplantation protocol
Sometimes a donor cannot donate directly to a recipient. Donation may still be possible via cross-over kidney transplantation.
COVID-19 guidelines
The specific guidelines for COVID-19 have largely been incorporated into regular guidelines.
For organ donation, only the Intensive Care Guideline still applies. The most important difference in this guideline compared to previous versions:
- A positive COVID-19 test from a donor is no longer a general contraindication for organ donation.
- For heart and lung donation, a positive COVID-19 test remains a contraindication or is evaluated on a case-by-case basis.
Supervision of protocol compliance
The Health and Youth Care Inspectorate (IGJ) supervises compliance with the protocols. Some protocols, such as the brain death protocol, are mandatory. In the event of non-compliance with obligations, the IGJ may take measures, such as an order, instruction, or penalty payment.
Legal framework
Clear laws and regulations apply to organ and tissue donation in the Netherlands. These laws ensure that donation and transplantation are conducted safely, carefully, and transparently.