These guidelines are established for the physical body’s suitability for teaching and the safety of our staff, students, and educators. The Duke Anatomical Gifts Program has the right to reject a body for donation at any point in the process under any circumstances.
You MAY be able to donate if:
- The person died less than 48 hours ago
- The person was 18 years old or older
- The person was 6 feet tall or shorter
- The person weighed 200 pounds or less
- The person had a history of cancer
- The person had medical implants, such as:
- Joint replacements
- Pacemakers
- Plates or screws, etc.
You CANNOT donate if the person had:
- Hepatitis A, B, C, D, or E (even if treated or cured)
- A history of intravenous (IV) drug abuse
- HIV/AIDS
- Prion diseases
You also CANNOT donate if any of these conditions are present at the time of death:
- More than 3 days have passed since death
- A bacterial or fungal infection
- Medical isolation precautions
- A positive COVID-19 test within 5 days before death
- Open wounds, such as:
- Severe bedsores (stage 4)
- Open surgical wounds
- Serious physical trauma, including:
- Homicide
- Suicide
- Severe burns
- Organs were donated
- Severe jaundice
- Severe swelling
- Gangrene
- Recent radioactive implants
- An autopsy by the Medical Examiner is required
- Obesity
- Severe frailty or very low muscle mass