Frequently Asked Questions about Becoming a Donor

Frequently asked questions
Question	Answer
How do I become a donor?	You may register to become a whole-body donor using our link on the website requesting a registration form. The best way to ensure that your wish to become a whole-body donor is carried out is to tell your family how you feel about your intention. In terms of the policy of donor organisations, the next of kin of donors also have to give their consent for all donations.
What is the difference between whole-body, tissue and organ donation?	Organs include the heart, lungs, liver, kidneys and pancreas. Organ donors are brain dead. A brain dead person is on mechanical support (ventilator) to ensure that all organs are maintained. All donated organs must be carefully matched between donor and recipient. Matching is done according to blood matching and tissue compatibility. Human Tissue includes the corneas and sclera from the eyes, heart valves, musculo-skeletal bone, skin, tendons and cartilage. Tissue is removed after the donor has passed away. A tissue donor may, or may not, be the same donor as the organ donor. No tissue compatibility is however necessary and anyone can donate tissue or receive tissue. Whole-body donor (Medical Research/ Education): If a body cannot be accommodated for the above-mentioned transplant purposes, the body can be utilised for medical research, training of medical students and specialists will have the chance to master new surgical techniques.
I have moved/ am residing outside of the 200km radius of the University of Pretoria. May I still register/remain registered with the University of Pretoria’s National Tissue Bank?	Yes, you may. The UP NTB coordinates with other Universities and Tissue banks/ facilities nationwide. We will, with the next of kin’s consent, coordinate with the relevant institution nearest to the location of death.
Do medical conditions exclude me from becoming a whole-body donor?	No, we do not have any medical conditions which fall under our exclusion criteria for whole-body donors. Please do inform us of any surgical implants such as pacemakers and prosthetics.
May I be an organ donor as well?	Yes, you may be registered as both an organ and a tissue donor.
How long until my family receives the ashes?	Our processes typically last between 6 months to 2 years. Your family is welcome to contact us should they wish to be updated on how far we are. Our funeral service provider will contact them once they can collect the ashes.
May I request to cancel my registration as a donor?	Yes, you may contact us to cancel your registration. Please feel free to send us an email to revoke your registration.
What procedure(s) should my next of kin follow upon my passing?	Your next of kin will need to contact us upon your passing. They are welcome to use our 24-hour emergency number (0762346445). We will then instruct them regarding any further procedures they need to follow. Please also see our instruction leaflet (click here) for a detailed explanation of procedures to follow in various scenarios.
What procedures are followed by the NTB upon my passing?	The University of Pretoria’s National Tissue Bank’s Manager will determine eligibility of the remains for donation. Should we accept the donation, we will arrange with our funeral service provider to contact you and arrange for collection of the remains.
Does age influence whether the NTB will accept my body?	No, we do not have any age restrictions for whole-body donors.
What documentation will you require from my next of kin when I pass on?	We will require your next of kin to sign an informed consent form to confirm that they agree with your decision to donate. We will communicate any further documentation with them when the time comes.
The National Tissue Bank sometimes makes use of unclaimed bodies, is that true?	The NTB does make use of unclaimed bodies, although rare. We have a large donor registry and due to the current awareness of whole-body donation, the majority of our remains are willingly donated with informed consent.
Are medical tests required to be a whole-body donor?	No medical tests are required to be a whole-body donor. Only tissue and organ donors undergo medical tests.
Is there any imbursement for donation?	No, there is no imbursement for the donation. It is against the law to sell or buy any human organs or tissue. Thus, no reward will be given – monetary or otherwise, direct or indirect – to the donor, the donor's estate, the donor's relative or any other person before or after death.
What about the Privacy Clause regarding my donation?	All information on the donor will remain confidential and will be placed on record at the University of Pretoria’s National Tissue Bank. No personal information regarding donor will be disclosed. Medical history may be used to optimise training and research, whilst maintaining strict anonymity of the donor.
Will my loved-one be treated with dignity?	Yes. Only qualified personnel are employed by the National Tissue Bank and they are bound by very strict codes of conduct to ensure that each donor is treated with the utmost respect and dignity. We work closely with funeral homes to ensure that all burial issues are handled appropriately and that the family's wishes are met.
What are religious views concerning donation?	Most religions support whole-body donation on the basis that it is essentially a gift of life from one human to another. We encourage families to talk with a religious leader of choice for guidance.

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