Donations
Human tissue has many different uses including transplantation, teaching, medical research and display in public places such as museums. There are many different types of human tissue including: skin, body parts, organs, stem cells and bone and they have different uses.
The HTA has an important role in making sure human tissue is used safely and ethically, and with proper consent.
In this section you can find out more about tissue donation for different purposes and the role of HTA regulation.
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How to donate your body to medical science
Human bodies are used to teach students about the structure of the body and how it works, and to train and develop the skills of surgeons and pathologists. Find out more including what is involved, how to donate and the role of the HTA
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How to donate your tissue for research
Researchers use human tissue to improve understanding of how diseases start and progress and what keeps us healthy. Find out more about how to donate tissue and the role of the HTA.
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Organ donations
Organs such as kidneys, liver and lungs are used in transplants to treat people whose organs have failed. Find out about the role of the HTA in organ donation in life and after death, and find out how to donate.
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Independent Assessors
Independent Assessors (IAs) make recommendations to the HTA about whether organ donations from living donors should take place. Access the IA online reporting system.
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Bone marrow and stem cell donations
Bone marrow transplants or peripheral stem cells can be used to treat people with diseases of the blood such as leukaemia. Read more about bone marrow and stem cell donation and find out about the role of the HTA.
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Accredited Assessors
Accredited Assessors (AAs) make recommendations to the HTA about whether bone marrow donations from adults and children unable to make an informed decision should take place. Access the AA online reporting system.
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Model consent forms
The key principle of the Human Tissue Act is that a person has the right to be asked for consent before any part of their body is used for particular purposes. This applies whether the tissue comes from a living or a deceased person. View model consent forms and find out more about what constitutes consent.
