Frequently asked questions about the body bequest program

No. A decision is unable to be made until a donor has passed away. The cause of death helps to ascertain whether a donor is suitable for the program. A medical history of the donor is also obtained from the doctor involved at the time of death or the donor’s local doctor.

Bodies that are unacceptable for the program include those that have:

• had a post-mortem examination

• had recent surgery

• had organs removed for donation (with the exception of corneal donation)

• a possible contagious disease

• been significantly altered by certain medical conditions or procedures

• some other medical conditions (eg. severe vascular disease)

• been assessed as obese or emaciated

• been deceased for more than 5 days

• been assessed to be unsuitable for embalming