When a person donates their body to science, what actually happens to the body? This may be a reason that people are hesitant to donate their body to science. The uncertainty of what your body goes through or what will be accomplished by donating it may cause hesitation. When you donate blood or plasma or even an organ, such as a kidney, in most cases, you see it happen. When a person donates their body, the person has passed on and has no control over what will happen with the body.

First of all, a will body program will be the first step to donating your body. This is a program that will serve as the go between for you and the medical institution that will accept your body. You will sign up with the program and once arrangements have been made final and you have passed on, your body will then be sent to the medical institution that was stated in your contract. Arrangements like having your cremated remains sent to your next of kin can be stated in your contract as well. Your next of kin can be involved to oversee the process. They, obviously, would be the ones to notify the program managers of your passing.

Once your body or cadaver, which it is commonly called in medical terms, is at the medical institution, it will under go some procedures such as blood being drawn and tested to make sure there are no contagious diseases. Next, tissues will be analyzed and sent to medical research facilities depending on the field of research. Formaldehyde is the chemical that will be used to preserve your body for up to six weeks. After the research is complete, your body will be cremated and the remains sent back to the next of kin. A willed body program will ensure that all of this happens with the utmost respect to your body. Your dignity will never be compromised.

Remember that if you choose to donate your body to science, it does not mean you can not be an organ donor. Your organs are vital to many people in need of healthy organs. You can choose to be an organ donor and also donate your body to science. The advances, in medical science today, are due to the gift that people gave. There will be many people, unknown to you, that will be eternally grateful.