What steps are critical to ensure the viability of donated organs?

The critical steps to ensure the viability of donated organs involve timely removal and preservation, proper handling, and transportation under controlled conditions. Once an organ is designated for donation, it is vital to remove it swiftly to minimize ischemic time, which is the time an organ goes without blood supply. This is crucial as prolonged ischemia can lead to tissue damage and diminish the organ's functionality.

After removal, the organ must be preserved appropriately. Various preservation solutions are used to reduce metabolic activity and maintain cellular integrity until transplantation occurs. Handling the organ with care during this process prevents any physical damage.

Transportation under controlled conditions is equally important, as organs must be kept at specific temperatures and in suitable environments to maintain viability. This involves using sterile containers and following strict protocols to ensure that environmental factors do not compromise the organ.

The other options include aspects that are important, but they do not focus on the immediate post-removal care of the organ itself, which is crucial for ensuring that the organ remains transplantable. For example, organ cleaning is not a standard step for preservation. Therefore, thorough adherence to the proper procedure ensures the highest chances of success during transplantation.