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. 2008 Feb;63(1):121–134. doi: 10.1590/s1807-59322008000100020

Table 3.

Criteria for brainstem death apply to heart-beating donors8

  1. The underlying pathologic lesion should be understood;

  2. There should be no pharmacologic, metabolic, or hormonal influence;

  3. Pupillary, corneal, occulo-cephalic, vestibule-occular, and gag reflexes should be absent;

  4. No pain response to stimulation in the distribution of the fifth cranial nerve; and

  5. A re-breathing test with 100% oxygen should be delivery to maintain satisfactory oxygenation, while ventilation is switched off. The rise in arterial pCO2 should not stimulate respiration.

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These tests are performed by two experienced clinicians on two separate occasions.