How we use donated bodies

The Human Tissue Authority regulates the use of bodies donated for anatomical examination within the legal framework set out in the Human Tissue Act 2004.

We occasionally offer short courses to other institutions or external groups such as surgical trainees for which we charge a fee. This fee has been carefully calculated to ensure that it reflects as accurately as possible the true cost of running a course.  We do not make profit from the use of body donors in our courses.

At Leicester Medical School, donated bodies may be used for:

1. Anatomical examination - the teaching of the structure and function of the human body to students or healthcare professionals
2. Education and training - the training of healthcare professionals, usually those learning surgical techniques, as opposed to anatomical examination
3. Research - scientific studies which improve the understanding of the human body. Please note that at Leicester Medical School, donated bodies are not used for research into specific diseases, and organs will not be donated for transplantation. Details of some organisations which undertake specific research may be found on our useful links page

The Human Tissue Act 2004 requires written and witnessed consent to donate your body for anatomical examination. To do this, please complete one of our consent forms. We do not make the forms available online, but you can request an information pack, which will include a consent form.