Are you interested in donating your body for scientific research? Every year tens of thousands of people make the choice to donate their body for medical research in order to advance science. It’s a noble decision for anyone to make, but there is a small group of people who actually can’t donate their body to science.
Before you make plans to help medical researchers by donating your body to science, make sure you’re eligible to do so. Take a look at five different things that could disqualify you from donating your body to science.
Reason #1 – Infectious Disease
This one might or might not be a disqualifier depending on the research that’s being done, but typically falls into the disqualification category. Often infectious diseases like HIV or ebola would disqualify a person from being able to donate their body to science because it’s simply too dangerous.
Reason #2 – Extremely High or Low Weight
A person’s weight at the time of their death can also be a factor in whether or not they can donate their body. Someone who has extremely low weight to the point of being emaciated will be ineligible. Those who were extremely obese also can’t donate. Some medical centers like UCLA require that the body weigh 250 pounds or less to be donated.
Reason #3 – The Cause of Death
The unfortunate truth is there are many ways that a person could die. The cause of the death could preclude a body from being donated. Generally, if the death was violent or the body was mutilated in any way donation isn’t possible.
Reason #4 – An Autopsy
If an autopsy is performed, then it may be impossible to donate the body. It all depends on the extent of the autopsy and how it impacts the body physically.
Reason #5 – Previous Surgeries and Medical Conditions
Someone who has had extensive surgical work or medical conditions that caused physical effects might not be considered eligible. You’ll need to discuss your medical history prior to signing consent forms if this could be an issue.
Why You Need Alternative Disposition Plans
If you plan to donate your body to science you should have an alternative disposition plan, even if you’re considered eligible at this point. The decision of whether a body can be donated is made at the time of death. It doesn’t matter if you already signed a declaration noting your wish to donate your body to science. If the institute that’s accepting the body feels that it isn’t suitable for donation, then it can’t happen.
That means anyone who is considering body donation should have a backup plan for disposition. Direct cremation from a provider like Direct Cremate is a perfect alternative. It’s extremely affordable and efficient, which is why direct cremation is used by medical institutions that use donated bodies for research.
If you’d like to know more about making alternative disposition arrangements, give us a call or text any time of day.
