Why Support Research?
Researchers working to understand and develop new therapies for a wide range of diseases, including cancer, diabetes, arthritis, and heart disease rely on donated human organs and tissues for their investigations. Progress in treating common and rare diseases hinges on access to both normal and diseased human organs and tissues, which are often in short supply.
The organ procurement organization (OPO) is in a unique position to further such research, which may ultimately benefit the lives of millions. Many organs and tissues not suitable for transplant can be donated for research, giving individuals and families the opportunity to advance medical science and contribute to the development of new treatments and cures.
The importance of tissue and organ donation for research is well understood. Today, more OPOs recognize that research is an important option for families presented with the decision to donate life. Indeed, the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services now evaluates OPO's performance in recovering organs for research.
Why OPOs Partner with NDRI
NDRI’s experience in providing anatomical gifts for research is unmatched. Many OPOs work exclusively with NDRI to manage their organ and tissue research programs. In deciding who to partner with for your research program, please consider the following:
- Integrity of research assured — Requests from bona fide researchers are reviewed and approved by NDRI’s staff and application feasibility committee, which is comprised of leading physicians and researchers.
- Federal government oversight — NDRI is the only independent organization providing anatomical gifts for research that receives major funding and oversight from federal agencies, such as the National Institutes of Health.
- Quick and easy retrieval — NDRI staff respond quickly, 24 hours a day. Our streamlined retrieval procedures and experience with federal regulations concerning privacy, informed consent and handling of biomaterials make recovery of research tissue easy and efficient.
- Timely feedback — NDRI promptly reports how organs and tissues are used so that you can share the information with families as well as meet CMS certification requirements.
To learn more about becoming a NDRI research partner please contact us at 800-222-6374.
The Referral and Recovery Process
Many researchers need donated organs and tissues within hours of death, so it is essential that the recovery process be coordinated as efficiently as possible. This process involves:
- Obtaining informed research consent from the donor's family
- Conducting serology testing on the donor
- Contacting NDRI to determine research suitability
- Recovering organs and/or tissues
- Shipping organs and/or tissues
For detailed information on the Referral and Recovery Process, click here.
Current Solid Organ Research Needs
Follow the links below to learn more about organ-specific research needs and protocols:
Current Tissue Research Needs
Follow the links below to learn more about tissue research needs and protocols: