Whole Body Donation

How can a whole body donation be a gift of life? Unlike donating blood or registering as an organ donor, the benefits of whole body donation after death may seem to offer less obvious benefits to humankind. This impression is far from the truth. The donation of a body to science gives researchers one of the most important resources necessary for future advancements in medicine, an anatomical gift: the human body.

The human body is a complex masterpiece of design. Although advances in computer technology have allowed more detailed and accurate simulations of the body, these simulations cannot stand in for a real cadaver. When surgical researchers are developing new, potentially life-saving, techniques, they must practice these procedures in the most realistic manner possible. Cadaver studies allow surgical researchers to safely refine techniques in a hands-on manner simply not possible with a computer simulation. Without whole body donation after death, the development of surgical skills would be severely curtailed. Medical research into the causes and prevention of diseases like cancer and Alzheimer’s disease depends on body donation as well.

Whole body donation programs in the US allow people to will their bodies for scientific study. LifeQuest enables those interested in whole body donation to leave behind a lasting legacy of compassion. LifeQuest is the whole body donation program of choice in the US for many leading medical research facilities. We are unique among body donation programs because we also provide surgical teaching institutions with the resources they need to refine the skills of the next generation of surgeons.

LifeQuest follows strict guidelines that govern the donation of remains. Pennsylvania whole body donation regulations are in accordance with the Uniform Anatomical Gift Act. The Uniform Anatomical Gift Act determines the proper procedure for making a whole body donation after death. If you or a loved one decides to give the gift of life, LifeQuest provides a registration card which must be signed by the donor as well as the next of kin and two witnesses. This documentation ensures that the donor’s wishes have been clearly communicated and will be carried out. Upon a donor’s death, a family member or caregiver notifies LifeQuest. LifeQuest consults with the family and physician to determine if donation is feasible and in line with Pennsylvania whole body donation regulations. After recovery, the remains are cremated at LifeQuest’s expense. The total expense for a whole body donation is about $150.