Anatomical Transport Protocol

Assisting a Family with Death of Registered Donor

The medical facility (or appropriate authority, when death occurs outside of a facility) is responsible for contacting the University of Cincinnati (UC) Body Donation Program upon the death of a registered donor.

All pre-registered deceased donors should be transported to the Cincinnati College of Mortuary Science (CCMS) during normal business hours or after-hours. The medical facility should assist the family in making transportation arrangements to the Cincinnati College of Mortuary Science. The family decides who will transport the body – either a funeral home or ambulance service – but the facility can make the arrangements. Transportation is the only expense to the family. See the protocol below for deaths occurring during and outside normal business hours.

Important Reminders

WHO TO CALL: Contact UC Body Donor Program Director, then contact CCMS Clinical Lab prior to transport (see contact information and hours below).

DOCUMENTATION: Copy of the Body Bequeathal Form / registration confirmation letter and/or donor card must accompany decedent and be provided to CCMS at the time of transport.

PERSONAL EFFECTS: All personal effects and valuables should be removed and given to decedent’s family.