Post-mortem tissue donors in forensic medicine

After confirmation of death, tissues can be explanted from the deceased for transplantation purposes within a post-mortem period of 36 h (e.g. cardiovascular, musculoskeletal tissue and skin donations) or 72 h (cornea donation) in accordance with the donors' wishes expressed while they were alive and depending on the medical and social history. In contrast, an organ donation can only be considered in cases of brain dead patients in whom the cardiovascular function is maintained. Multiple organ donors can also donate tissue although organ donation has priority. In contrast to organ transplantation, tissue transfer does not have to conform to any compatibility requirements, i.e. every donor can donate tissue for any recipient. While organ donation is organized centrally by the"Deutsche Stiftung Organtransplantation" (DSO, German Foundation for Organ Transplantation), tissue donation is not. The"Transplantationsgesetz" (TPG, German Transplantation Act) stipulates that the donor must be reported to the nearest tissue institution; however, this is often neglected due to ignorance of existing structures or not knowing the donor's wishes. The following text describes the legal, medical and social prerequisites, the organization and process as well as transplantation indications for post-mortem tissue donation.