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Tissue donation in forensic cases: a retrospective study from Sweden
Kajsa Kepplerus1, Malin Pauli2,3, Astrid Ohlin Åstrand4
1Department of Forensic Medicine, Swedish National Board of Forensic Medicine, Sölvegatan 25, 223 62, Lund, Sweden.
Cell and Tissue Banking
|July 8, 2026
Summary
Tissue donation is feasible in forensic cases. Family consent for tissue donation is influenced by the manner of death and the deceased
Area of Science:
- Forensic Medicine
- Transplantation Science
- Bioethics
Background:
- Traumatic deaths often necessitate forensic autopsies, presenting challenges for families making end-of-life decisions.
- Despite the context, forensic cases can involve medically suitable young individuals for tissue donation.
- Understanding factors influencing donation consent is crucial for expanding the donor pool.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate how the manner of death, age, and sex influence next-of-kin's interpretation of a deceased individual's presumed tissue donation wishes.
- To assess the feasibility of tissue donation in forensic autopsy cases.
- To identify factors associated with next-of-kin consent for tissue donation.
Main Methods:
- Analysis of demographic data and consent outcomes from the Swedish National Board of Forensic Medicine registry.
- Examination of 1159 donation assessments, with a focus on 691 cases involving next-of-kin contact.
- Statistical assessment of factors influencing consent, including manner of death and deceased's age and sex.
Main Results:
- In cases without prior donor declarations, consent for tissue donation was approximately twice as likely following natural death compared to accidents or suicide.
- Next-of-kin were significantly more likely to interpret boys' donation wishes positively compared to girls among children (0-17 years), a difference not observed in adults.
- Tissue donation remains a viable option in forensic contexts, with consent rates influenced by specific case characteristics.
Conclusions:
- Manner of death and age are significant factors shaping family interpretations of donation wishes in forensic cases.
- Tailored communication strategies are necessary to effectively approach families regarding tissue donation in forensic settings.
- These findings highlight the potential to increase tissue donation rates by understanding and addressing family perspectives in challenging circumstances.
