Tissue Services Program
Most of us give many gifts throughout our lifetimes on many special occasions. But the ultimate gift – the gift of tissue – is the most selfless gift of all. It is the gift of life, health and hope.
Discuss your decision to become a donor with your family so that they may abide by your wishes after your death. You can also register to become an organ, tissue or cornea donor on the Texas Donor Registry at www.donatelifetexas.org.
Life-changing Gift
Tissue donation is a gift of life that is consistent with the beliefs of most religions. Personal concerns should be addressed with one’s own minister, priest, rabbi or other spiritual advisor. Since 1994, the South Texas Blood & Tissue Center has served the needs of Texas communities with the life-changing gift of human tissuefor transplant. More than 5,000 tissue graft components are distributed each year.
Full Service Tissue Program
Operating as an American Association of Tissue Banks (AATB) accredited full service program in Texas, STBTC maintains an extremely high standard of quality. The staff works to ensure that processed tissues for transplant will be available to the physicians and the communities we serve.
Help for Donor Families
Of utmost concern are the families of donors who allow us to procure the gift of tissue for transplant. In conjunction with bereavement support professionals, STBTC has created a bereavement program (BEST) which helps ease the family’s transition due to the loss of a loved one. Seminars and workshops, presented by grief counselors, clergy and health care professionals, are offered throughout the year. More than 5,000 individuals have been helped by these services. The Tissue Services Department is comprised of professionals trained in the techniques of the surgical removal of human tissue for transplantation. Utmost respect and consideration is given to the donor and the donor’s family.
Every potential tissue donation candidate is screened to determine suitability prior to approaching any family for donation consent. Only when our organization has confirmed that the deceased is a candidate for donation, do we proceed to the informed consent process.