Retention of organs and tissues

Retention of organs and tissues

General preconditions and restrictions

Organs and tissues removed from a patient during diagnosis or treatment can be retained and stored for medical use.Embryos can only be used for fertility treatment or medical research.

Patient’s consent and other preconditions for retention The patient’s informed written consent is required for the retention of organs or tissues referred to above in section 6, paragraph 1, and for subsequent storage and use. If patients are incapacitated or unable to understand the significance of the matter because of
being under-age, the written consent of their legal representative is required for such retention. Patients or their legal representatives are entitled to withdraw
consent at any time before ultimate use of an organ or tissue, without stating any reason.Before giving consent, patients must be provided with an explanation of the purpose and significance of the removal, and informed that they can withdraw their
consent before ultimate use of the organ or tissue. The physician treating the patient must personally give an explanation to the patient or his/her legal
representative.

If organs or tissues are retained during termination of pregnancy, a permit from the National Board of Medicolegal Affairs (TEO) is required.