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How to Anatomically Donate - FAQ'S
What is needed prior to the donor's death?
The Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology requires that a Deed of Disposition be on file in the department prior to the donor's death.
What is needed in addition to the legal forms?
The donor's signature, and the signatures of two witnesses will be needed.
Following the receipt of the documents what happens?
The department of Anatomy and Cell Biology will acknowledge acceptance of the deed, review the information, and issue an identification card if the applicant meets the necessary criteria.
Can a medical college purchase a human body?
By law, a medical college may not purchase any human body.
Is a Uniform Donor Card sufficient for whole body donation?
A Uniform Donor Card is not sufficient for whole body donation to the University of Iowa Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology. A Deed of Disposition and medical history form must be on file with the department prior to the donor's death.
Who may donate their body to medical education?
Any competent person over 18 years of age may donate his or her body for medical education and research.
At the time of death what happens?
The person in charge of the donor's affairs should notify a funeral director to make arrangements concerning transportation to Iowa City.
Who can transport donors to the University of Iowa?
Only donors transported by a licensed funeral facility will be accepted.
When is embalming necessary?
A delay of more than eight hours because of a funeral service, distance, weather, et cetera then embalming will be necessary.
Who is responsible for the fees from the funeral home?
The cost of transportation and the funeral director's professional service fees must be borne by the family or estate.
When a Donor's Gift Cannot Be Accepted
Occasionally, a problem may exist which would interfere with the intended use of a donor's gift for education and research.
Some problems that may prevent acceptance of the gift include:
- the performance of an autopsy
- extensive trauma
- the presence of a highly contagious disease
- or a weight problem that would prevent optimal use of the gift
In instances such as these, the next of kin or the person in charge of the donor's affairs, if known to us, will be informed and other options for final disposition will be discussed.
When Studies Are Completed
Our studies are typically completed in one to one and one-half years. At this point, the Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology will comply with the wishes of the next of kin, or the person responsible for the donor's affairs, regarding final disposition. Options include: cremation and return of the cremains to a designated receiver at the expense of the Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology (any subsequent expenses will be borne by the family or estate); or, cremation and interment of the cremains in Oakland Cemetery, Iowa City at the expense of the Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology.
A Memorial Service is held once each year, and the next-of-kin, or person in charge of the donor's affairs, is notified and invited to attend. This person may then notify other family members and friends.
If the cremains of a donor are not claimed by the family within one year following the completion of studies, the cremains will be interred at the next Memorial Service.