Will any images or scans be taken of my body?

The taking and displaying of images is outside the scope of the Human Tissue Act 2004; however, the HTA endorses the good practice principles set out in guidance issued by relevant professional and regulatory bodies.

The purpose and use of images

It is useful for the School of Anatomy or the receiving institution to prepare images of your body or parts of your body for education or training relating to human health and/or research in connection with disorders, or the functioning, of the human body. Anonymised images may be used for promoting school activities. Images will be taken for auditing and traceability records.

The use of images within the School of Anatomy supplements the use of the person’s donation, allowing students to improve their understanding of human anatomy, expanding the reach of further education and training outside the Vesalius facilities, and allowing researchers to disseminate knowledge and understanding of disorders and/or functioning of the human body.

Protecting donor identity and dignity

Images will only be taken if the identity of the donor can be protected and their dignity preserved. Identifiable features will not be shown, which include but are not limited to: scars, tattoos and distinguishable marks.

What images may be taken?

Images taken may include photographs, films, and electronic images of the human body and tissue, as well as images generated from other imaging techniques, such as Ultrasound, Computed Tomography (CT) and Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI), as well as hand drawings or sketches.

Regulating the taking, storage and use of images

Donors are assured that if images are required, images cannot be taken, used and stored freely, and the images will be used respectfully. Approval will be obtained from the appropriate authority within the School, such as the Designated Individual or their representative. All staff, students and external persons receive appropriate training and/or guidance in the use and storage of images. All images will be stored securely. Any images shared to promote school activities, published in academic journals, conferences or with other third parties will protect the dignity and the identity of the donor.

Further information

If you have any questions, wish to raise concerns or wish to object to the taking and displaying of images when completing the consent form, please contact the Bequest Office.
For further information, please refer to the HTA’s Codes of Practice, available at www.hta.gov.uk.