Human Tissue Authority

Human Tissue Authority The watchdog that ensures organs and tissue are used safely, ethically and with proper consent The HTA is accountable to the Secretary of State for Health.

The HTA licenses and inspects organisations that store and use human tissue for the purposes listed below:

• teaching about or studying the human body
• carrying out post-mortem examinations
• using human tissue to treat patients
• carrying out research on human tissue
• displaying human bodies or tissue in public (e.g. in a museum)

We also give approval for donations of organs and bone marrow from
living people. A living person who wants to donate their organs or
bone marrow has to go through an independent assessment process. This helps to make sure that the interests of donors are looked after. We work under two laws: the Human Tissue Act and the Quality
and Safety Regulations. Our aim is to make sure that these laws
are followed by setting standards that are clear and reasonable,
and in which the public and professionals can have confidence. We also help people to understand these requirements by providing
codes of practice and other advice, guidance and support. The professional members of our Board come from medical and
scientific backgrounds linked to our work, and the lay members bring
a wide range of business, commercial and public sector experience. You can find out more about the members of the Board on our
website. Because the HTA is funded by the Department of Health and
through licence fees, we make aim to provide value for money.

Best wishes for the festive season and 2026 from all of us at the Human Tissue Authority
19/12/2025

Best wishes for the festive season and 2026 from all of us at the Human Tissue Authority

Thinking about body donation?To donate:✔️ Discuss your wishes with loved ones✔️ Contact a local medical school✔️ Complet...
05/12/2025

Thinking about body donation?

To donate:
✔️ Discuss your wishes with loved ones
✔️ Contact a local medical school
✔️ Complete and store a consent form

Find a medical school near you https://www.hta.gov.uk/medical-schools

HTA inspections, together with the prompt reporting of incidents, makes sure tissues and cells for human application are...
21/11/2025

HTA inspections, together with the prompt reporting of incidents, makes sure tissues and cells for human application are appropriately regulated in the UK. ✅

What do our inspection teams look for? Policies, processes and procedures - including documentation, checking incident and consent records.

As well as sample testing to check consent, traceability, suitability of storage, premises and practice. 🔬

Address

2 Redman Place
London
E201JQ

Opening Hours

Monday 9am - 5pm
Tuesday 9am - 5pm
Wednesday 9am - 5pm
Thursday 9am - 5pm
Friday 9am - 5pm

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