Codes of practice

The HTA’s codes of practice relate to the removal, storage, use and disposal of human tissue and organs.

The codes give practical guidance and lay down the standards expected. It is hoped that the codes are of value to practitioners and other groups in helping to support good practice in an important area of science and medicine.

We consulted on the revised versions of our codes of practice in 2008. The updated codes are currently laid before Parliament and we expect to publish the final versions in September 2009. When published, the revised codes will be brought into force via Directions. In the meantime, please continue to use the existing codes below until the new versions have been approved.

To help you prepare for the introduction of the new codes of practice, you can download the draft versions which have been laid before Parliament - read the draft versions of the revised codes.

Existing codes of practice

• Code of Practice 1 Consent
• Code of Practice 2 Donation of organs, tissue and cells for transplantation
• Code of Practice 3 Post mortem examination
• Code of Practice 4 Anatomical examination
• Code of Practice 5 Removal, storage and disposal of human organs and tissue
• Code of Practice 6 Donation of allogeneic bone marrow and peripheral blood stem cells for transplantation
• Guidance 7 Public display
• Code of Practice 8 Import and export of human bodies, body parts and tissue

The HTA has published rationale documents which set out the context for the Authority's decisions.

• Read the rationale for Codes 1-6 
• Read the rationale for Code 8

Welsh references to Codes of Practice 1-6

The Human Tissue (Scotland) Act 2006 has provisions on living donation almost identical to those in the HT Act. By agreement with the Scottish Ministers, the HTA has responsibilty for approving all forms of living donation involving Scotland. Further information on the Scottish requirements relating to living donation can be found in the Scottish Annex.