Tissue and Organ Procurement for Research or Specialized Study

There are certain instances when a family may wish to have a specific organ examined after their loved one has died. This could be for a variety of reasons including to determine if there is a genetic cause of a disease process or to know if a tumor represents cancer. A common reason for specialized study of an organ is that involving the brain in individuals who die with dementia. Most dementing illnesses can only be accurately diagnosed at autopsy. Autopsy brain examination (neuropathology) ideally should be done by those pathologists with extra training in this discipline (Dr. Havlik with The Pathology Group is one such pathologist). Removal of organs for research purposes can also occur after death with the permission of the next of kin. There are several research organizations that are interested in studying various disease processes. The family should coordinate with these research groups if they are interested in donating their loved one’s organs after death. The Pathology Group can help with this process and ensure the specified organs are removed appropriately and according to the organization’s research protocols.

Procurement of Tissues or Organs for Genetic Studies, Research or Other Specialized Studies

Many families and individuals experience sudden and unexpected deaths, some of which are disease-related. The team at The Pathology Group, P.C., understands that the unexpected death of a family member brings its own devastating effects to your community and your family. The devastation is often compounded when the cause of death is unknown or undefined or if an unusual finding is found at autopsy. In some of these cases, they may wonder if this is due to genetics. Research or specialized study of organs and tissue may help in these cases. Determination of the cause of the abnormality is essential to the understanding of the specific disease process and can help determine if familial genetics can be a factor. These types of screenings have not always been an option for most medical examiners and coroners. Thankfully, today you have access to the level of expertise needed to perform these screenings as the need presents itself. We feel it is a responsibility and duty to help you in the process of determining if specialized studies would be helpful. Postmortem tissue and organ research provide an increased understanding of many disease processes. There are still more diseases and disorders which are poorly understood and require further investigation. Removal of tissues or organs for research purposes can be performed after death and provided to the research group of the family’s choosing. There are many research organizations that have very specific research interests in the study of various disease processes. When we help with the procurement process in these circumstances, we follow the organization’s protocol and requirements that are necessary for them to receive the specimens for research.