Human residual tissue provided via VitalTissue is directly transported from the operating room to the laboratory. It is not (unless explicitly demanded) frozen or fixated. Human residual tissue from VitalTissue originates from medical treatment facilities located in The Netherlands.

Any researcher in The Netherlands that meets the requirements and has access to appropriate research facilities can make a request for human residual tissue. VitalTissue assesses whether the researcher, the research facility and the research project meet the qualifications. Human residual tissues are not to be used by the tobacco industry or alternatives for smoking nor by the arms industry. Furthermore, human residual tissues may not be used for production of alcoholic beverages or other addictive substances or alternatives thereof.

In the field there is demand for many types of human residual tissues. Currently, VitalTissue can mediate in the provision of the following human tissues: intestine, skin, liver, fat, heart, blood vessel, stomach, gall bladder, spleen, cartilage, bone and skeletal muscle.

You will receive information about residual tissue donation and you will sign an informed consent form when you decide to participate.

No, there will not be taken more tissue than is strictly necessary for the medical procedure and your medical treatment. The residual tissue would otherwise be unused waste material.

VitalTissue delivers fresh, unfrozen and unfixed tissue. This tissue is directly transported from the operating room to the laboratory and is directly processed to be used in experiments.

You can withdraw your cooperation at any time. The medical center in which you were treated manages your data. They will inform VitalTissue of the withdrawal of consent using the identification number. VitalTissue requests the researcher to destroy all remaining residual tissue. Anonymous data that has already been generated will not be deleted. For more information, see the patient information folder and the consent form of the treatment center.

No, this is not possible yet. However, you can inform your medical professional that you have heard of VitalTissue and would like to donate if an operation were to be planned in the future.

No, you do not receive financial compensation for your donation. The hospital receives a small expense allowance for the preparatory work and the removal and preparation of the tissue for transport. The researcher who wants to use the residual tissue pays compensation to VitalTissue for the costs incurred. VitalTissue is a non-profit organization. We are very grateful for your donation.

Donating residual tissue is done pseudo-anonymously. VitalTissue and the researcher receive limited information about the donor from the medical treatment center. This is limited to gender, age category (per 10 years) and type of tissue (from which organ does the tissue originate).