Respect for Donors

All human cadaveric and anatomic specimens must be handled with the utmost respect and dignity, as approved by the Committee for Oversight of Research and Clinical Training Involving Decedents (CORID).

What Are Anatomic Specimens?

Anatomic specimens include whole bodies (cadavers) and specific body parts that are readily recognizable and identifiable to a layperson.

Specimen Requests - How to Submit a Request

Anatomic Specimen Request Form:

Download the PDF specimen request form, complete and submit it to the Office for Oversight of Anatomic Specimens (OOAS) at least two weeks before the approved activity to allow sufficient processing time for review and approval.

Secondary Use of cadavers and recognizable body parts:

Download the  Anatomic Specimen Request Form and complete all required sections, including the donor ID(s), tissue type,  tissue source (e.g., Humanity Gifts Registry (HGR) or external tissue supplier), and  the proposed use.
Submit the completed form to OOAS for review and approval.

Annual Humanity Gifts Registry (HGR) Whole-body Cadaver Requests:

Submit requests for Humanity Gifts Registry (HGR) whole‑body cadavers using the Anatomic Specimen Request Form.
Faculty and administrators will receive a reminder email with the form in March, and requests must be submitted within 30 days of receipt of the reminder.
Requests submitted after this timeframe will be reviewed on an ad hoc basis, subject to availability.
 

Specimen Procurement

• Internal Procurement:   Whole-body cadavers from the University of Pittsburgh’s HGR program will be coordinated through OOAS upon approval of the request.
• External Procurement:   Recognizable body parts (anatomic specimens) from approved tissue suppliers will be processed by OOAS on behalf of the requesting investigator or course director.
• No cadaver /recognizable body parts specimens may be brought into the University of Pittsburgh campuses or UPMC facilities by external entities or persons.

Lab Facilities

All activities involving cadaveric tissue must occur in labs approved by the University of Pittsburgh or UPMC Department of Environmental Health & Safety (EH&S). Labs must have designated human-only refrigeration and freezer equipment.
Approved facilities:

Scaife Anatomy Lab, Room 7788
Scaife Specialty Lab, Room 7792

Contact Jim Maksin at jim.maksin@pitt.edu to reserve these lab spaces.
 

Required Lab Training

All Participants: Must read, sign and abide the OOAS lab guidelines.  
Non-UPMC participants must provide a current Bloodborne Pathogen (BBP) training certificate.
Submit these documents to OOAS before the lab start date.

Undergraduate Students:

All undergraduate courses involving direct contact with human anatomical specimens are subject to OOAS review. Determinations are based on the instructional need for human specimens and the appropriateness of student academic level. Lab managers and course instructors must contact OOAS for approval prior to scheduling laboratory activities. 

Specimen Transfers

All transfers of specimens between laboratories require prior approval from both OOAS and the tissue supplier. An OOAS Chain of Custody Form must be completed for each transfer and submitted to OOAS before the transfer occurs.

Photography/Video Capture

Prior approval from both the tissue supplier and OOAS is required before any photography or video capture occurs. All images and videos must be fully de‑identified.

OOAS must review and approve all images and videos to ensure compliance with de‑identification requirements before any distribution or use.
 

Specimen Disposition

Ethical Disposal:   All human cadaveric specimens and recognizable body parts must be ethically disposed of after use.

Request for Disposition: Submit the completed Request for Disposition of Anatomic Specimens Form to OOAS. Include details such as tissue supplier name, specimen type, donor ID, and left/right designation.

Cremation Requirements:  All cadaveric specimens must be cremated through the University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine crematory in Scaife Hall. This ensures accurate records and compliance with supplier documentation requirements.
Whole organs disposition- contact OOAS.

For detailed guidelines on paperwork, packaging, and transport services, please refer to the links provided above or contact OOAS directly.