Donated Body

Criteria for Non-acceptance

Criteria for Non-acceptance into the UCLA Donated Body Program

While it is uncommon that anatomical gift at the time of death is refused, it is important that you be aware of this possibility and make alternative plans if this should occur.

There are several reasons why an anatomical gift might not be suitable for study; anything that destroys or distorts the normal anatomy of the body extensively can make it difficult to conduct meaningful anatomical study. Some examples of conditions that make anatomical study difficult are:

  • An autopsy that has been performed
  • Serious injury or trauma
  • Recent extensive surgery (this does not mean that individuals that have had surgery are automatically disqualified);
  • Advanced muscular atrophy;
  • Donations of organs to other programs;
  • Weight in excess of 250 lbs.;
  • Bodies arriving more than 24 hours from time of death;
  • Advanced decomposition;
  • If the number of donated bodies required by the school will be exceeded.

The Donated Body Program reserves the right to decline or accept the donation of an anatomical gift as set forth by health and safety code §7154 (a).

In addition, there are some infectious agents, such as viruses, that can pose a serious risk to the individuals working with the anatomical material. Pursuant to California law, the donation of a body authorizes any reasonable examination necessary to ensure medical acceptability of the gift for the purpose intended. Examples of such diseases that would disqualify a body for donation include:

  • Hepatitis B & C, Creutzfelt-Jacob disease, HIV and AIDS, MRSA, VRSA and TB.

The David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA Donated Body Program reserves the right to accept or reject a donation at the time of death if any of these conditions or diseases is present. Therefore, it is our recommendation that alternative plans are made with a death care provider (funeral provider), in the event that the body is unsuitable for donation.