Organ and tissue donation

Here at The Humane Research Trust, we believe in using human models to study human diseases. Our charity focuses on financing medical research across UK institutions. As such, we cannot arrange organ or tissue donation on your behalf.

However, we encourage our supporters to make their own arrangements for donating their organs and tissue for research. This will support future scientists in replacing animal models in research.

Here is a step-by-step guide to help you register your intention to donate organs or tissue for medical research:

When it comes to organ donation for transplant purposes, the NHS organises this on a national level. However, there is no such national co-ordination of organ and tissue donations for research purposes. Instead, tissue is collected and processed by individual organisations called tissue banks, also known as biobanks.

So, if you intend to donate your tissues for research, you need to choose a local tissue bank and register your consent with them. This is because tissue samples must be collected quickly for them to be of use in research. As such, organisations which collect and dispense samples typically only operate regionally.

You can speak to your local hospital to see if they have a tissue bank you can register with. Alternatively, you can search for tissue banks on the website of the Human Tissue Authority (HTA).

The HTA independently regulates organisations which collect and use human organs and tissues in medical research. They also have resources available to help you learn more about donating organs or tissues for research.

Once you have identified a local tissue bank, you must contact them directly to make your donation arrangements. They can tell you more about your eligibility for donation, and what the process will entail.

The tissue bank will require you to give written consent for them to collect and use your tissue after your death. In some cases, you may be able to stipulate what your tissue will be used for. If you have specific requirements, discuss these with your chosen tissue bank ahead of providing consent.

Once you have registered your wishes with your chosen tissue bank, make sure that you keep a copy of your paperwork with your Will. This will mean that your tissues can be collected as quickly as possible after your death.

We advise that you make your wishes known to your family, particularly your next of kin. Additionally, you should also ensure that your local healthcare team are aware.

Scientists often use donated human tissue to help us understand more about the body, investigate human diseases, and develop treatments. By donating your tissue, you can support researchers to conduct research which:

• Looks at the impact genetics have on human health
• Explores how specific diseases manifest and progress
• Tests potential treatments for human diseases
• Validates findings developed from in vitro or computer simulation research projects
• Replaces the use of live animals, animal tissue, and animal-derived products

At The Humane Research Trust, we believe the study of human tissues is key to advancing human health. Pledging to donate your tissue can help scientists continue to conduct innovative new medical research.