Supreme Court to Review Apnoea Test in Brain Death Determination

The Supreme Court's decision to review the apnoea test in brain death determination underscores critical ethical and medical debates, impacting organ donation protocols. This review is significant for UPSC aspirants, particularly for General Studies Paper 2 and 3. Last Updated: 05-05-2026

Key Facts About Brain Death Determination

• Brain Death: An irreversible condition where all brain activity ceases, including essential functions like breathing.
• Organ Donation: Brain dead patients can donate organs such as the heart and lungs, vital for transplantation.
• National Organ and Tissue Transplant Organization (NOTTO): Sets guidelines requiring a four-member board to confirm brain death twice, with a 12-hour interval.
• Apnoea Test: Evaluates brainstem function by checking for spontaneous breathing when ventilation is halted.
• Concerns: The apnoea test should not be the sole criterion for brain death; it may reduce cerebral blood flow.
• Supplementary Tests: Include EEG, four-vessel cerebral angiography, and CT angiography for accurate diagnosis.

India's Ethical and Medical Standards in Organ Donation

The review of the apnoea test by the Supreme Court highlights India's commitment to aligning with international medical standards, such as those of the WHO. Accurate brain death determination is essential for ethical organ transplantation, aligning with India's healthcare goals and improving global organ donation rankings.

UPSC Relevance

• GS Paper 2: Governance, Constitution, Polity, Social Justice, and International relations - Ethical issues in organ donation.
• GS Paper 3: Technology, Economic Development, Bio-diversity, Environment, Security, and Disaster Management - Medical technology and ethical considerations.
• Prelims Angle: Questions on definitions, guidelines by NOTTO, and the role of the apnoea test.
• Mains Angle: Essays on ethical medical practices, organ donation policies, and healthcare standards.

FAQ Section

• What is brain death? Brain death is an irreversible condition where all brain activity ceases, including essential functions like breathing, rendering the individual legally dead.
• Why is the apnoea test important? The apnoea test is crucial for evaluating brainstem function in brain death determination, although it should not be the sole criterion due to potential risks.
• What are the key features of current brain death guidelines? Current guidelines require confirmation by a four-member board, including a neurologist, with assessments conducted twice at a 12-hour interval, supplemented by tests like EEG and CT angiography.