Here are some of the top FAQs about donating your body to science in the Tampa-St. Pete area.

What Does It Mean to Donate Your Body to Science?

Donating your body to science makes an important contribution to the advancement of medical science. Your gift helps scientists, researchers, and medical students study human anatomy, practice surgical techniques, and develop new treatments.

Many medical breakthroughs have come from body donors as researchers study disease progression and learn more about treatments.

Who Can Donate Their Body to Science?

Most adults are eligible to donate their bodies. Factors such as contagious diseases like HIV or hepatitis, extreme obesity, or severe trauma at the time of death may disqualify someone. Organizations assess eligibility on a case-by-case basis.

Even if you think you might not qualify, it’s worthwhile to contact a donation program to explore your options. For example, nonprofit organizations like United Tissue Network (UTN) accept most donated bodies.

How Do I Make a Whole Body Donation in Tampa, FL

Planning to donate your body to science involves a few steps:

• Choose an accredited donation organization: Select a reputable program, such as United Tissue Network, that operates in the Tampa and St. Petersburg area. UTN is accredited by the American Association of Tissue Banks and upholds the highest ethics, treating donors with respect and dignity.
• Complete consent forms: Donors need to register in advance and sign consent forms that outline their wishes. You can pledge yourself or sign up a loved one online.
• Notify family members: You should let your loved ones know about your decision, so they are aware of your choice and respect your wishes.

What Happens After Donating a Body to Science

After you or a loved one passes, UTN will handle the logistics, coordinating with the hospital, funeral home, or hospice care center to transport the body to a reputable medical research or educational facility.

When research has concluded, UTN will ensure the body is cremated at a licensed facility. Upon request, the remains are returned to the family.

How Long Are Bodies Used for Medical Science?

The time can vary depending on the research or educational programs. It can range from a few months to a few years.

Is There a Cost to Donating Your Body to Science?

There is no cost to participate. UTN pays 100% of the cost for transportation, placement, and cremation. This can relieve the financial burden for families while creating a lasting legacy that helps others.

Can I Get Paid to Donate My Body to Science?

No, you will not get paid to donate your body to science. Selling bodies or body parts is illegal.

How Can I Get Free Cremation?

UTN pays for cremation after research or education is complete.

Can I Be an Organ Donor and a Whole Body Donor?

Yes, although you need to sign up separately for each program. You can become an organ donor when you get or renew your driver’s license at a Tampa-St. Petersburg DMV. You can find locations here for Hillsborough County and Pinellas County. You can also sign up via that state’s online registry at DonateLifeFlorida.org.

You can sign up to become a whole body donor at United Tissue Network.

When you are both an organ donor and whole body donor, UTN will prioritize organ donations to be used for lifesaving transplants before bodies are sent to research facilities.

What Happens If I Pass Away Suddenly?

Most donation programs will accept body donors from sudden or unexpected deaths as long as they meet eligibility priority. You can accelerate the process by registering in advance, but in case of a sudden death, UTN should be contacted immediately. Handling the body properly is critical and timing is important.

What Happens If I Change My Mind?

You can change your mind at any time. You will need to notify the organization in writing and follow up to make sure your record is updated.

Where Can I Donate My Body in the Tampa Area?

If you are considering whole body donation in Tampa, FL, you can register online or reach out to one of the compassionate Donor Coordinators at United Tissue Network. UTN is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization that coordinates whole body donations in Florida.

UTN makes the process easy,at no cost to family members.

Learn more about whole body donation in the Tampa, FL area. Contact United Tissue Network at 877-738-6111