HTA is the regulator of the removal, storage and use human tissue for research, medical treatment, post-mortem, education and training and public display.
For professionals working in the Anatomy sector
• Licensing standards and guidance
• Model consent forms
• Storage of human material
• Sale of bodies, body parts and tissue policy
• Consent exemptions under the HT Act
Explore our guidance: hta.gov.uk/guidance-professi…
ALT Detailed anatomical illustration showing muscles, bones, nerves, and blood vessels with Human Tissue Authority branding and a notice for licensed anatomy establishments.
The HTA Code of Practice A offers practical guidance to professionals working in regulated activities under the Human Tissue Act.
It’s founded on four guiding principles:
✅ Consent
✅ Dignity
✅ Quality
✅ Honesty & Openness
Read the guidance here: hta.gov.uk/guidance-professi…
Find out more about living organ donation and how it’s regulated
- The Independent Assessment process
- Living donor matching websites
- Types of living organ donation
- The role of the HTA and NHSBT
- Travelling abroad for organ transplants
Read more: hta.gov.uk/guidance-public/b…
See our latest blog for the Post Mortem sector
The role of a Designated Individual at Cwm Taf Morgannwg University Health Board ✍️
hta.gov.uk/blog/role-designa…
ALT Hands holding a tablet displaying the HTA Blog page with the text 'Read our latest blog' and the Human Tissue Authority logo above.
For professionals working in the Anatomy sector
• Licensing standards and guidance
• Model consent forms
• Storage of human material
• Sale of bodies, body parts and tissue policy
• Consent exemptions under the HT Act
Explore our guidance: hta.gov.uk/guidance-professi…
ALT Detailed anatomical illustration showing muscles, bones, nerves, and blood vessels with Human Tissue Authority branding and a notice for licensed anatomy establishments.
Find out more about living organ donation and how it’s regulated
- The Independent Assessment process
- Living donor matching websites
- Types of living organ donation
- The role of the HTA and NHSBT
- Travelling abroad for organ transplants
Read more: hta.gov.uk/guidance-public/b…
Thinking about body donation?
To donate:
✔️ Discuss your wishes with loved ones
✔️ Contact a local medical school
✔️ Complete and store a consent form
Find a medical school near you hta.gov.uk/medical-schools#BodyDonation#MedicalEducation
Ensuring the safe and trusted use of human substances, such as blood, tissues and cells is central to our regulatory role.
This sector requires care and collaboration to uphold standards while supporting innovation in healthcare.
Find out more here: hta.gov.uk/guidance-professi…
ALT Working together to ensure safety and quality in human application
In 2024/25, we received 303 licence variation requests, often in response to a change in a patient’s circumstances or the availability of highly matched human tissue.
Read the guide here: hta.gov.uk/guidance-professi…
ALT In 2024/25, we received 303 licence variation requests, often in response to a change in a patient’s circumstances or the availability of highly matched human tissu
There are four guiding principles in Code A
Consent - and the wishes of the donor
Dignity - paramount in the treatment of human tissue and bodies
Quality - must underpin all management processes
Honesty and openness - the foundation of communication
Our Public Display sector guidance covers:
💡 Licensing standards and guidance
💡 Imported material
💡 Sale of bodies, body parts and tissue
💡 Storage of human material for teaching by schools and colleges
Read more: hta.gov.uk/guidance-professi…
There are four key sections in Code B
1. Authority & consent – coroner-led and hospital post-mortems
2. Retention, storage & disposal of tissue
3. Communication with bereaved families
4. Traceability, governance & licensing standards
#PostMortem#HTAhta.gov.uk/guidance-professi…
There are four key principles in Code C:
• Consent – only the individual can donate their body
• Dignity – cadavers must be treated with respect
• Purpose – use must match original consent
• Compliance – facilities must meet HTA standards
🔗 ow.ly/o8g150WG1SY
Consent is the fundamental principle of the Human Tissue Act. People’s wishes must be respected in the removal, storage, and use of human tissue.
Read the full guidance here: ow.ly/lRiI50ULPvw
Find out more about living organ donation and how it’s regulated
- The Independent Assessment process
- Living donor matching websites
- Types of living organ donation
- The role of the HTA and NHSBT
- Travelling abroad for organ transplants
Read more: hta.gov.uk/guidance-public/b…