Texas A&M Body Donation
We coordinate Texas A&M body donations including transportation, preparation, and delivery of body donations from across the state to Texas A&M University. Below you will find information for body donation for anatomical studies at the Texas A&M Health Science Center College of Medicine Department of Neuroscience and Experimental Therapeutics.
Conditions of Acceptance or Refusal
The value of a body is greatly diminished if all parts are not intact. Therefore, bodies from which parts have been removed for transplant purposes or during the course of an autopsy will not be accepted. The Department of Neuroscience and Experimental Therapeutics cannot guarantee acceptance of a willed or donated body. A body will not be acceptable if any of the following conditions are present:
- Organs or parts (other than eyes) have been removed at or following the time of death, such as for transplantation or in an autopsy;
- Decomposition of the body prior to embalming;
- Severe trauma, such as death from drowning, burning, homicide, or motor vehicle accident;
- Open wounds or ulceration of the body, bed sores, skin slip;
- Contagious diseases, especially viral, such as virulent herpes, hepatitis, HIV, or some of the dementias;
- Excessive obesity or emaciation; weight must be proportional to the height
- No person over 6’1″ will be accepted
- No person over 190 lbs. will be accepted
- Jaundice
- The torso, arms, or legs, are in a bent, curled, or fetal position
In summary, the Department of Neuroscience and Experimental Therapeutics reserves the right to refuse any body donation that cannot be used.
Final Disposition of Remains
How Can I Sign Up for A Body Donation?
CLICK HERE for the Bequest Form. You can sign this form yourself for your body donation. You will need to have 2 witnesses sign the form as well. If you would like to come to our office we would be happy to witness the form for you.
CLICK HERE for the Donation Form if you are a relative of someone who has already passed away and would like to donate their body. This form must be signed and mailed or sent with the body if the deceased did not sign the Bequest Form above.
What Procedure Should Be Followed Upon My Death?
How Much Does It Cost?
As long as the body donation is accepted then Texas A&M University will pay for the expenses incurred within a 200 mile radius of College Station. If transportation is required further than 200 miles, then the next-of-kin will be responsible for the additional mileage fee.