Leaving body for medical research
Discussion
Hi,
My father in law has been mentioning that when he passes he will be leaving his remains to medical research. Now I'm not sure what they will use him for, he's short, round, had 2 heart attacks and diabetic. I've not seen any paperwork or will, he's a bloody nightmare for admin etc. So my question is, what happens when he pops off?
My father in law has been mentioning that when he passes he will be leaving his remains to medical research. Now I'm not sure what they will use him for, he's short, round, had 2 heart attacks and diabetic. I've not seen any paperwork or will, he's a bloody nightmare for admin etc. So my question is, what happens when he pops off?
I can't help you with exactly what the body will be used for, but just anecdotally, I do know that when bodies are left for the medical schools for dissection I can promise they are treated with dignity and respect. Following this they often, or certainly used to, hold a service prior to the remains being incinerated. Whilst I never attended, I am led to believe the turn out reflected this respect.
Perhaps more relevant, I do know locally of tissue banks, but I am still somewhat a layman. My understanding is that donated organs are removed, say the brain, and this is stored in a registered and approved facility. Then a research proposal is put forward for approval, for example they want to investigate the comparative brain structures of those with a specific type of epilepsy, versus a control group.
Following approvals (including ethical), they then will withdraw a number of samples, these will be looked at in the lab anonymously, and then consequent to this, the sample incinerated. All as per the agreed protocol, they can only take what has been agreed.
Subsequently findings are published in an open manner for the benefit of everyone. Tissue will often be used for as many research projects as possible, as it is commonly considered precious, and often referred to as a "gift". For example you use as little possible, whenever possible.
Don't know if that helps at all? I used to sign off research proposals, but to be honest I wasn't looking at this sort of thing.
In all honesty, without the donations, this sort of research would not be possible, but science is an incremental process, so individual projects may only tell a small part of the story. But perhaps it's better to play a small role in a great story, than the lead role in nothing?
Perhaps more relevant, I do know locally of tissue banks, but I am still somewhat a layman. My understanding is that donated organs are removed, say the brain, and this is stored in a registered and approved facility. Then a research proposal is put forward for approval, for example they want to investigate the comparative brain structures of those with a specific type of epilepsy, versus a control group.
Following approvals (including ethical), they then will withdraw a number of samples, these will be looked at in the lab anonymously, and then consequent to this, the sample incinerated. All as per the agreed protocol, they can only take what has been agreed.
Subsequently findings are published in an open manner for the benefit of everyone. Tissue will often be used for as many research projects as possible, as it is commonly considered precious, and often referred to as a "gift". For example you use as little possible, whenever possible.
Don't know if that helps at all? I used to sign off research proposals, but to be honest I wasn't looking at this sort of thing.
In all honesty, without the donations, this sort of research would not be possible, but science is an incremental process, so individual projects may only tell a small part of the story. But perhaps it's better to play a small role in a great story, than the lead role in nothing?
Edited by Prof Prolapse on Wednesday 5th October 12:47
My Nan did this - it was something she'd always wanted to do after surviving menningitis as a kid (in the 1930s so was good going) and after having some weird virus like illnesses in later life.
So when she went we weren't able to have a proper funeral as her body had been taken, so we had like a "celebration" event - booking out the local hotel function suite which was actually quite nice, speeches and such regarding memories of her.
Then about 8 months later I think it was after they had "finished" they held an actual funeral / cremation which I believe they arranged - we had to go to the nearest Crematorium to the teaching hospital / trust that she was donated to - so it was literally just closest family by then as it was a bit of a trek down to South West London.
The teaching place were very grateful and I think sent a letter to the family thanking them - even if it just helps med students it's a positive thing I guess.
Would I do it - no probably not. It's a bit weird for the family holding a "funeral" with no body, then having to go to another funeral at some later unknown date (you are literally waiting for them to call to let you know when) - for some it just started the grieving process all over again.
ETA - I don't know if she registered as wanting to do this before she died - I seem to recall it was just mentioned in the hospital where she passed away and they made the arrangements - this is just a recollection though.
So when she went we weren't able to have a proper funeral as her body had been taken, so we had like a "celebration" event - booking out the local hotel function suite which was actually quite nice, speeches and such regarding memories of her.
Then about 8 months later I think it was after they had "finished" they held an actual funeral / cremation which I believe they arranged - we had to go to the nearest Crematorium to the teaching hospital / trust that she was donated to - so it was literally just closest family by then as it was a bit of a trek down to South West London.
The teaching place were very grateful and I think sent a letter to the family thanking them - even if it just helps med students it's a positive thing I guess.
Would I do it - no probably not. It's a bit weird for the family holding a "funeral" with no body, then having to go to another funeral at some later unknown date (you are literally waiting for them to call to let you know when) - for some it just started the grieving process all over again.
ETA - I don't know if she registered as wanting to do this before she died - I seem to recall it was just mentioned in the hospital where she passed away and they made the arrangements - this is just a recollection though.
Edited by chilluk7 on Wednesday 5th October 12:49
Cheers guys,
I think he's intent is noble, it's just the real reason is he is skint and there is no way he has anything put aside for the funeral. My real issue is the lack of closure for the family, my wife isn't happy with how he is telling everyone about it etc, the mother in law has even told my 8 year old niece ffs, which caused upset as you can imagine
I think he's intent is noble, it's just the real reason is he is skint and there is no way he has anything put aside for the funeral. My real issue is the lack of closure for the family, my wife isn't happy with how he is telling everyone about it etc, the mother in law has even told my 8 year old niece ffs, which caused upset as you can imagine
J4CKO said:
I know someone who always said they would do it and ended up cremated, I don't think there is a huge demand relative tot he number of people wanting to avoid four grands worth of funeral
He's broke, never had 2 pennies to rub together. I've bailed him out that many times. Bristol University would be very grateful for such a bequest, and there are more details here:
http://www.bristol.ac.uk/anatomy/bequests/
Donated bodies play many roles, from research to student training, as well as many other training purposes. There was a TV programme recently which took a pretty sensitive and interesting look at the issues, if someone can find it.
http://www.bristol.ac.uk/anatomy/bequests/
Donated bodies play many roles, from research to student training, as well as many other training purposes. There was a TV programme recently which took a pretty sensitive and interesting look at the issues, if someone can find it.
N Dentressangle said:
There was a TV programme recently which took a pretty sensitive and interesting look at the issues, if someone can find it.
Here it is, a very interesting programme: http://www.channel5.com/show/body-donorsGassing Station | Health Matters | Top of Page | What's New | My Stuff