Frequently Asked

Q: What should I do if a death has already occurred?

A: If someone has already passed, they can still become a whole body donor. If the deceased person is not under hospice care and has died at home, contact 911 to report the death immediately. Then, contact us as soon as possible to increase the likelihood of acceptance. Also, if a patient or loved one is currently receiving hospice care and/or is close to passing, MD should be contacted immediately. Caring Donation Coordinators are available 24 hours a day to assist the family and are available to meet the family in person.

Q: If I am a registered organ transplant donor, can I also be a non-transplant whole body donor?

A: If you are already a registered organ transplant donor, you can still register to be a whole body donor. However, at the time of passing priority will be given to transplant donation because of the ability to immediately save or change a life. In some cases, MD can arrange for a donor to ultimately donate to both a transplant program and MD’s whole body donation program. Please let us know if we can help you and your family register for both programs.

Q: Can I request which research program I would like my donation to benefit?

A: Unfortunately, MD cannot guarantee matching a donation with a specific type of research or training program. Placement largely depends on current medical research and training needs and specific donor criteria.

Q: Who is the legal Next-of-Kin?

A: The closest relatives, as defined by state law, of a deceased person. Most states recognize the spouse and the nearest blood relatives as next of kin. Contact us at 303.931.2348 and we can help you determine your legal next of kin. Also, we strongly advise that you discuss your choice to donate with your legal next of kin, as they will be involved in the donation process after death.

Q: Do you charge researcher’s/permit tissue brokering?

A:MD is a fee-based service organization. MD adheres to federal and state legal requirements, which prohibits the buying and selling of human organs and tissue. MD charges reasonable fees for services provided to the medical research and educational community for the recovery, testing, processing, preservation, final disposition, quality control, storage and transportation of non-transplant human tissue.

Q: If Its “whole body donation” then what is cremated & returned?

A: The “whole body donation” means you have donated the entire body (not just organs) to MD, tissues not utilized for research are cremated.

Q: Can family receive information as to what type of research/training program the donation benefited?

A: Absolutely, we have a two-year policy before we will share that information with the family out of respect for the grieving process and also it can take years to connect tissues with researcher’s requests.

Q: If I suddenly die how will MD be notified of my choice to donate?

A: Tell a family member, caregiver or a neighbor about your wishes to donate. That person(s) will be necessary to ensure your wishes will be followed through.

Q: What can disqualify me as a donor?

A: HIV and/or Hepatitis. Contact us at 303.931.2348 to register today!

Q: How long can someone deceased stay at home?

A: In some cases, families have asked this question for viewing purposes. In Colorado there’s a 24 hour period for a deceased person to stay at home/ not in refrigeration. However, if someone dies at home you must call 911 immediately and report it to the coroners office. In regards to our program/ facilitating medical research and training, the sooner the better. If you have a deceased loved one at home currently, first call 911 then contact us with any questions. (303) 931-2348.