If you’re considering donating your body to science, you’ll want to know what happens when you donate your body.
In this guide, we explain how to donate your body to science and how the process works and take you through it step by step. When you’ve finished reading, you can talk to one of our team members if you have questions.
The Body Donation Process
The body donation process can happen in several ways. You may choose to pledge yourself and get a digital body donor card, like if you sign up to become an organ donor; you can pre-register a loved one and provide a brief medical history, or you can wait until someone is near the end of life or at the time of death.
In each case, you will need to provide consent in accordance with the Uniform Anatomical Gift Act (UAGA). Some body donation programs allow you to provide consent online and have witnesses sign electronically as well.
When a Donor Passes Away
Next, let’s discuss what happens when someone passes away.
When someone in the donation program passes away, the donation program is notified, and it typically requires a review of medical history and medical records to ensure eligibility. For example, those with communicable diseases such as hepatitis or HIV/AIDS are not accepted, which protects medical scientists, students, and researchers.
Unlike in a traditional funeral preparation, the body is not embalmed. It is refrigerated to ensure it is preserved for researchers. The body donation program you choose will handle all of the arrangements, including transportation and storage (if necessary). The body is generally transported within 24 hours and placed with a reputable research or educational institution.
After Research Has Concluded
After research or training has been completed, the body will be transported to a licensed crematorium for cremation. Some programs will make the remains available to families if requested or dispose of them in a dignified manner.
United Tissue Network (UTN), a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, pays 100% of the costs for transportation, storage, placement, and cremation. This can relieve the financial burden for families in need.
What Happens When You Donate Your Body to Science?
What happens when you donate a body to science is the most important part of the process. Scientists, researchers, surgeons, and medical students can study human bodies in various ways, such as:
Medical Education
Medical, dental, and nursing students study human anatomy through dissection and examination of cadavers.
Surgical Training
Students and surgeons are able to practice techniques on cadavers before operating on living patients.
Scientific Research
Researchers examine donated bodies to better understand various diseases and conditions or to test new surgical techniques or medical equipment.
Developing New Treatments
Research on donated bodies can lead to advancements in medical treatments.
Training for Emergency Responders
First responders may use bodies to practice emergency procedures and improve life-saving techniques.
Forensic Science
Some facilities use donated bodies to study decomposition under various conditions, aiding in forensic investigations.
Each of these represents a significant contribution to medical science. While 3D simulations and artificial cadavers have their uses, there is no substitute for human tissue when it comes to research. Also, there is a significant shortage of donations. Each year, about 20,000 bodies are donated nationwide, but the need is far greater.
Choosing a Body Donation Program in Florida
Choosing a body donation program is an important decision. You need to evaluate your options and consider several key factors when making your decision.
Reputation and Accreditation
You will want to ensure your donation is treated with respect and the dignity it deserves. You should research body donation programs and look for one that is accredited by the American Association of Tissue Banks (AATB). The AATB verifies programs live up to the highest ethical standards.
Transparency
The body donation program should be clear about its processes and how donated bodies will be used and take the time to explain the process step-by-step. If you do not understand these policies or procedures, you should be able to get prompt and complete answers.
Costs
Most programs will cover all of the expenses, but you will want to be clear about any costs. Avoid programs that charge you to participate.
Keep in mind that you will still be responsible for the cost of any funeral or memorial services you plan.
Eligibility Criteria
Each program has its own guidelines for eligibility. Some limit contributions for those of upper ages and certain medical conditions.
Privacy
Look for a program that protects the privacy of donors and donor information. Ideally, it should conceal the identity of donors for researchers and scientists by providing confidential identification.
United Tissue Network coordinates body donations in Florida and meets each of these criteria. Contact a Donor Specialist at UTN today.
