Post mortem

There are several situations where independent pathologists attend HTA-licensed establishments to carry out post-mortem (PM) examinations. Visiting pathologists sometimes take or send PM tissue away from the originating establishment for laboratory processing and or analyses. When the laboratory analyses are complete, independent pathologists sometimes store PM tissue on their own premises whilst they await the receipt of disposal instructions from the coroner or police.

Samples may be obtained from deceased infants and children in cases of sudden unexpected death in infancy and childhood (SUDIC), in line with national protocols. This practice may take place in Accident and Emergency departments and other areas of a hospital, for example in special care baby units and paediatric wards.

This policy describes the consent and licensing requirements under the Human Tissue Act (HT Act) for removal of relevant material from the deceased, in these cases.

Clinicians and transplant teams are responsible for the overall care of donors and recipients, and for assessing the medical suitability of potential donors. The Regulations require the clinician with responsibility for the donor to refer the matter to the HTA.  As part of this referral specific information, certain assurances are required to ensure the legislative requirements are addressed.

The HTA regulates establishments in England, Wales and Northern Ireland that conduct licensed activities under the Human Tissue Act 2004 (HT Act). This includes establishments that remove samples from the deceased for certain purposes in the HT Act – called scheduled purposes.

Consent underpins the Human Tissue Act (2004) (HT Act). This section explains the consent exemptions from the Act.