Donation Process

Our body donation process begins with a donor eligibility screening which determines the likelihood of a donation being accepted. Some common conditions that result in a declination would be: Hepatitis B or C, HIV/AIDS, Tuberculosis, Creutzfeldt-Jacob disease, or Syphilis. There are several other conditions that may result in ineligibility, and this may be determined during the screening process.

Anatomy Gifts Registry is able to help you with the process of preparing for future whole body donation, for potential donors in the declining health/palliative care stage, or for loved ones that may have recently passed. We cover the costs associated with donor transport, filing/paperwork fees, and the cremation fee. Once a donor is matched to various research and education avenues, recovery of tissues will take place while a portion of the remains is saved for cremation and return to loved ones if they have elected to receive ashes. If cremated remains are requested, they are usually made available to the designated recipients within 6 weeks from the time AGR has received written cremation authorization.

If someone does not qualify for Anatomy Gift Registry’s program, alternative options are provided for consideration. All decisions regarding final acceptance are made at the time of passing regardless of pre-registration.

In the instance of whole body donation after a recent death or any related questions, please call Anatomy Gifts Registry immediately at (800) 300-5433 to see if your loved one qualifies for whole body donation. The process involves an evaluation of death circumstances, the completion of a medical/social history by a knowledgeable medical historian and obtainment of donation authorization with the Authorizing Agent/Legal Next-of-Kin.

Understanding Authorization & Next-of-Kin Classification

Anatomy Gift Registry’s whole body donation program operates under the guise of the Uniform Anatomical Gift Act (UAGA).

Outlined below is a list of individuals allowed to make an anatomical gift:

  • The named, appointed person, given authority to make final disposition arrangements, in a properly executed and witnessed document (such as a valid Will).
  • Spouse
  • Children of the Deceased (18 years of age or older, or emancipated minor)
  • Parents of the Deceased
  • Adult Siblings of the Deceased (18 years of age or older, or emancipated minor)
  • Adult Grandchildren of the Deceased (18 years of age or older, or emancipated minor)
  • Grandparents of the Deceased
  • Any class not represented on this list may be given careful consideration by AGR while utilizing applicable law, precedence, and policy.

In the case that there is more than one individual entitled to make an anatomical gift, all members of that particular class must be in agreement to move forward with making an anatomical donation. With the Anatomy Gifts Registry whole body donation program, we will decline any donation whereby objection about donation within the same class is notable.

Beneficiaries of Human Tissue Donation

All researchers, clinicians, and educators participating in the Anatomy Gifts Registry program must enter into a binding agreement ensuring strict adherence to AGR Tissue Use Policy and ensuring our oversight as to how the donated tissues are utilized. All applicants wishing to work with Anatomy Gift Registry must be approved and meet several mandatory factors including scientific and educational merit of their work.

Some examples of the many studies that benefit from human tissue donation through the AGR program include:

  • Anatomy and Physiology Student Education and Labs
  • Alzheimer’s, Dementia, and Parkinson’s Research
  • Cranio-Maxillofacial Surgical Technology
  • Drug Therapy
  • Emergency First Responder Training
  • Medical Resident Training
  • Minimally-Invasive Surgical Technology
  • Musculo-Skeletal Enhancements
  • Neurosurgery
  • Orthopedic Device Technology
  • Otolaryngology
  • Pain Management
  • Robotic Cardiac and Thoracic Surgical Training
  • Sports Medicine Surgeon and Physician Technique Development