Organs and Tissue
ORGANS
An organ donor can potentially save the lives of eight people, and a tissue donor can help up to fifty people. Learn which organs and tissues can be donated by selecting this interactive site provided courtesy of Gift of a Lifetime.
TISSUE
The human body has many tissues that are viable and valuable to persons afflicted with such illnesses as bone cancer, heart disease, burns and ailments that affect the eye.
Tissue is obtained from deceased or surgical donors who are tested for diseases such as AIDS and hepatitis. All tissue is procured and processed in a sterile environment. Donated tissue can then be processed into many forms that are either freeze-dried or frozen. The tissue can then be used in orthopedic, neurologic, plastic, cardiovascular and oral reconstructive surgery.
WHOLE BODY DONATION
There is no substitute for the human body in the teaching of human anatomy. Donated bodies may also be used for teaching surgery and other specialty fields. Your consideration to donate your body after death can enhance the quality of life for others and help support medical research and educational endeavors. You must pre-register with a medical school in your area. Each school has different policies and procedures which are explained in their registration packet. Acceptance or rejection of a donated body is a decision the medical school makes at the time of donation.
Under the law, the institution has the right to reject any body donation for any reason. Most medical schools have a great need for donated bodies. Unlike organ and tissue donation there are no upper age limits for donating your body for anatomical study. The school will make every effort to accept the donation unless there are medical contraindications.
Listed below are some of the reasons for rejection:
- Autopsied body
- Embalming
- Decomposition
- Obesity
- Extreme emaciation
- Death from a contagious or communicable disease
- Suicide or homicide
- Removal of organs and tissues (except for eyes)
Most medical schools will return the cremated remains of the donor to the family. You need to check with each school to find out what their policies and procedures are.
