Tissue Services

Organ and tissue donation is a subject that causes strong feelings in a many people. We often receive questions from the general public and medical professionals. We have listed a few of the common questions that are put to us, along with answers, in the hope that this will help inform people about the subject. If you have any further question, or suggestions please complete the contact us form and we will try to address all your questions and concerns.

• Can we order tissue/allograft for an urgent operation today?
  
  Providing the tissue is in stock it can be issued by same day, dedicated delivery. There will be an additional delivery charge for same day delivery, depending on how far the tissue has to travel.
• Can we place an order for tissue to be used at a later date?
  
  Yes. We can arrange for delivery at a date and time of your choice so you can place orders days/weeks in advance of when the tissue is required.
• Where/how do we go about getting a HTA Licence?
  
  You can contact the HTA at www.hta.gov.uk.
• Why do we need a Service Level Agreement?
  
  This is a legal requirement. Service Level Agreements require that you have a system in place to track and follow up tissue from receipt to eventual fate (transplantation or discard). Compliance with Service Level Agreements can be and is periodically audited.
• Can we have a Service Level Agreement for a Trust?
  
  Yes. All hospitals within a trust can operate under one Service Level Agreement.
• What storage facilities do I need to store frozen tissue?
  
  To store tissue in a frozen state you must have a freezer that operates at -20°C or -80°C or below, depending on the tissue in question. Once thawed most tissue can be stored tissue in a refrigerator for up to 24 hours prior to use. We advise that you consult individual the product sheet provided with each product for specific information.
• When do I have to defrost frozen tissue?
  
  Most tissues can be defrosted up to 24 hours before use and then stored in a refrigerator. Thawing takes approximately 12 hours in a refrigerator or 2 hours at room temperature. Cryopreserved tissues have more specialised thawing protocols, and we advise that you consult the Notes for Users provided with the grafts prior to thawing.
• Do I need a licence to store tissue?
  
  You need a license if you want to store cellular tissue for longer than 48 hours. You do not need a license to store acellular tissue. All of our tissues, with the exception of processed bone allografts, are considered to be cellular.
• What tissues do you do?
  
  Please see the products section of our website for details or contact us on 0845 607 6820.
• I require a graft that is not listed on your product list – are you able to help?
  
  If you cannot find the graft you are looking for, please contact us. We may be able obtain it as a special request, or add it to our portfolio if there is sufficient clinical requirement.
• Is there a delivery charge?
  
  Delivery charges vary depending on the type of delivery you require.
  Same day deliveries are quoted for on request.
  Next working day, no charge is incurred.
  Next day before noon, no charge is incurred.
  Next day before 10:00, a charge of £15.37 is incurred.
  Next Day before 09:00, a charge of £19.68 is incurred.
  Royal Mail Special Delivery, no charge incurred (this is for freeze dried products only).
• How long can I store tissue for stock?
  
  Providing you meet the storage conditions and licensing requirements you can store tissue until its expiry date which is displayed on each individual product.
• What information do I need to provide to place an order?
  
  You need to provide the following details when placing an order:

  • Hospital
  • Products required
  • Contact name
  • Telephone number
  • Department
  • Delivery details including address and time and date of delivery
  • Fax number
  • Storage facilities available
  • Order number
  • Address for invoicing

  For certain tissues, we also need to record the hospital number and date of birth of the patient the graft is to used to treat.
• Can you assure me that the tissue you use for grafts has been obtained from donors with lawful consent?
  
  Consent for tissue donation is always obtained by transplant co-ordinar nurses employed directly by NHS Blood and Transplant. All consent procedures are in accordance with the Human Tissue Act (2004) and the EU Tissue and Cells Directive. These procedures have been validation internally and are regulated by the Human Tissue Authority.