Report of a Census of Organs and Tissues Retained by Pathology Services in England : Conducted in 2000 by the Chief Medical Officer

A census of organs, body parts and tissues held by National Health Service pathology services was carried out to determine the size and nature of such stores.

The census was conducted in the light of public concern expressed about events at Bristol Royal Infirmary and Alder Hey Hospital, where there were reports of the widespread retention of children's organs for teaching or research purposes without the knowledge or consent of parents.

The census also asked for information on consent policies and on the procedures for the disposal of organs or tissues no longer required.

The census also asked for information on consent policies and on the procedures for the disposal of organs or tissues no longer required.

This report analyzes the information from the census. It aims to: provide details of the approximate numbers of organs, body parts and tissues held by pathology collections in England; describe the types of organs and tissues that have been retained; indicate when the retention took place; assess the number of services with written policies on consent, retention and disposal of human organs and tissues; outline policies on asking for consent from families of the bereaved for the retention of human organs and tissues for diagnosis, research and teaching; and identify policies and protocols for the disposal of human organs and tissues retained after post-mortem.

The census methodology and definitions used are included.