Among other considerations, the cause of death itself or a post mortem examination could have made the body unsuitable for anatomical examination. If the donation cannot be accepted, responsibility for burial or cremation rests with the executors or next of kin.

There is no upper age limit for bequeathing a body.

Although not absolute, the following is a guide to some reasons why the Medical School may not be able to accept a bequest:

  1. Post mortem examination
  2. Transmissible disease: for example, Hepatitis, HIV, Septicaemia.
  3. Alzheimer’s and some other forms of dementia
  4. Jaundice: Of infective origin.
  5. Multiple Sclerosis (MS): Depending on the severity of the condition, cases of MS may or may not be suitable. If you wish to donate your brain for research into MS please contact the MS Tissue Bank on 020 8846 7324.
  6. Artificial Stoma: for example, ileostomy, colostomy, gastrostomy.
  7. Bedsores or varicose ulcers: The Doctor or Nurse will be asked about the state of the donor’s skin, and in particular about the presence of bedsores. Small sores may be acceptable, but deep sores are not.
  8. Peripheral vascular disease. Severe vascular disease of the limbs and severe diabetes with evidence of vascular disease may make preservation of the body impossible.
  9. Recent operations: Where the wound has not healed.
  10. Severe peripheral oedema
  11. Amputation: of a major segment of one or more limbs.
  12. Arthritic deformity: Severe deformity of joints and spine.
  13. Size: Excessive weight or height may make storage of the body impractical.

 The conclusion is that if someone dies in hospital, their body is unlikely to be acceptable for donation.

You can, however, donate the corneas of your eyes and still donate your body for anatomical examination.

For a donor card please contact the Organ Donor Register on 0845 6060400, or

Moor-field’s Eye Bank on 020 7253 1 1 99.

If the body is not suitable for anatomical examination the relatives or executors will be informed as soon as possible so they may make funeral arrangements. They still need a funeral plan and guidance for the executors as to preferences for some sort of burial/cremation service.