Tissue donation provides one donor the opportunity to improve the quality of life for up to 75 recipients. More than 40,000 tissues are transplanted in Canada annually and close to 80% of these tissues are imported from the United States.
Nova Scotia’s Regional Tissue Bank provides patients with the option for tissue donation as part of quality end-of-life care. Corneas, bone, tendons, skin and heart valves are all possible sources of tissue donation. These tissues can be recovered up to 24 hours after the time of death.
All potential tissue donors MUST be referred to Nova Scotia’s Regional Tissue Bank. Referral to the tissue bank can occur after the death of the patient, but should be made as soon as possible.
To make a referral or get additional information, please call 902-473-2222 and ask for the Tissue Bank Specialist on call.
Please review the following contraindications that may impact the safety of tissues for transplant.
If the answer is 'yes' to any of the below, do not make a referral to the Tissue Bank Specialist. Notify the patient or SDM of the reason for non-referral. (Medical Examiner cases and/or hospital autopsy does not preclude donation.)