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The Forensic Science Research and Training Laboratory at George Mason University gratefully welcomes anatomical gifts for crucial forensic research. Such gifts are coordinated through the Virginia State Anatomical Program, overseen by the Virginia Department of Health. If you are contemplating this profoundly generous act, we invite you to initiate the process by directly engaging with the Virginia State Anatomical Program. They have outlined specific eligibility criteria that must be met to ensure a seamless and respectful donation process. We encourage you to familiarize yourself with these requirements. Should you choose to proceed, the necessary forms and detailed guidance are available below.

Should you choose to make an anatomical gift:

1. Eligibility Review: It’s essential to check the eligibility criteria as set by the Virginia State Anatomical Program (VSAP) to ensure you can donate. This includes conditions related to the donor’s state after death, such as certain contagious diseases, body condition, and time since death. You can review the full eligibility criteria on the VSAP website.
2. Documentation: While registration isn’t mandatory, it is encouraged. You need to fill out and submit the forms found on the VSAP website. Once your forms are received, a confirmation letter and wallet cards are sent to you.
3. Registration: Registering with the VSAP can be done online, where you can download and submit forms, or by phone if you prefer to have forms sent to you. Their contact number is (804) 786-2479. Remember that registration does not guarantee acceptance at the time of death.
4. Confirmation: After you’ve registered, keep the confirmation notice for your records. However, acceptance as a donor will only be determined after death based on specific criteria and the needs of the participating programs at that time.
5. At the Time of Passing: Within 24 hours of the potential donor’s death, VSAP must be notified, and the donor should be refrigerated within 4 hours of death. The VSAP operates every day, though not 24 hours a day, to receive these notifications and begin the donation process.
6. Donation Process: After death, the medical condition will be reviewed, and the next of kin will need to provide authorization. If accepted, arrangements for the transportation of the donor’s body will be made by VSAP. The donor’s body will be used by participating medical schools in Virginia, and the study or teaching can last from several months up to 5 years.

You can indicate in your paperwork that you intend for your or your loved one’s body to be donated to George Mason University. If you are interested in proceeding with body donation to us, you can complete the paperwork below and return it to us to complete the pre-registration process with us. Please also pre-register with VSAP if you are pre-registering with us.