When you undergo a biopsy or another medical procedure, some tissue may be left over that is not needed for diagnosis or treatment. As a Loyola University Health System patient, you have the opportunity to help researchers investigate new treatments by donating your leftover body tissue.
Instead of having Loyola discard that tissue as medical waste, we ask that you consider making a donation to our tissue repository. In doing so, your tissue may provide researchers with valuable clues as to why certain medical treatments have a higher success rate than others.
How Does the Program Work?
When you are scheduled for a procedure, you will receive a brochure explaining the tissue donation process and be given the opportunity to sign an authorization form. Although you will not receive a monetary payment for your donation, you can find comfort in the knowledge that research conducted with your tissue may help future patients.
Your participation is voluntary and will not affect your care. It also is important to know that no additional tissue will be taken during your procedure. Only the tissue that normally would be discarded as medical waste will be available for the tissue repository.
All research conducted with donated tissue will be performed following federal and state laws. Your identity will be protected and your name will not be on the container holding your tissue. You may request that your tissue be withdrawn from the repository at any time by submitting a Withdrawal of Consent form. Loyola will stop storing any of your leftover tissue that has not been used for research.
For more information about the Tissue Repository, contact the Pathology Department at (888) LUHS-888, extension 6-8270.