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Human Tissue Authority

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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.

19/03/2026

Our Codes of Practice and standards offer practical guidance for professionals conducting activities under the HTA’s remit.

Find them here: https://ow.ly/K7HO50SyJ6Z

18/03/2026

Thinking about body donation?

Donating your body to a medical school is an extraordinary gift that supports the training of future healthcare professionals and vital research.

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

17/03/2026

If you're a Designated Individual (DI) or named contact, we have guidance on our website to support you in this role.

This may also be helpful for Licence Holders and individuals working under HTA licences. 💡

https://www.hta.gov.uk/guidance-professionals/licences-inspections-and-fees/information-designated-individuals-dis

16/03/2026

Find out more about living organ donation and how it’s regulated

- The Independent Assessment process
- Living donor matching websites
- Types of living organ donation
- The role of the HTA and NHSBT
- Travelling abroad for organ transplants

Read more: https://www.hta.gov.uk/guidance-public/body-organ-and-tissue-donation/living-organ-donation

12/03/2026

Today is World Kidney Day 🌍

Every year, thousands of people across the UK rely on the generosity of living donors to transform their lives. This process is regulated to ensure donation is safe and protects both the donor and recipient.

An Independent Assessor ensures every donor understands the risks and is donating of their own free will.

Valid consent must be in place ✅

Donations must be voluntary and free from pressure or financial reward ✅

Our guidance can help you understand this process: https://www.hta.gov.uk/guidance-public/body-organ-and-tissue-donation/living-organ-donation

10/03/2026

Brain donation has helped researchers to better understand diseases such as , and .

A list of human tissue banks which accept brain donations is available on our website:

https://www.hta.gov.uk/guidance-public/body-organ-and-tissue-donation/brain-donation

06/03/2026

Body donation is arranged directly with a medical school (not via the HTA).

HTA licenses and inspects establishments but we do not accept donations or process donor forms.

To find the contact details of your nearest medical school see our “find a medical school” tool on our website 🔗 https://www.hta.gov.uk/medical-schools

04/03/2026

Our regulatory alerts are issued when immediate action may be required to protect patient safety.

Regulatory updates are issued about regulatory changes or activity requiring action or awareness.

See the list on our website 📌 https://www.hta.gov.uk/guidance-professionals/regulatory-alerts

24/02/2026

13/02/2026

When a post-mortem exam is needed or requested, families face tough decisions about removed organs and tissue. Our step-by-step FAQs give you the knowledge and confidence to ask the right questions.

Read more: https://www.hta.gov.uk/guidance-public/post-mortems/post-mortem-examination-faqs

Address

2 Redman Place
London
E201JQ

Opening Hours

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

Website

http://www.hta.gov.uk/

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