Human Specimen Procurement Service

The Human Specimen Procurement Service (HSPS) supports research that may someday benefit all patients. HSPS supplies normal and abnormal tissue samples to researchers from patients who have consented to have these tissues used.

Donated tissue samples help scientists develop treatment options for disorders and diseases. Donating to HSPS may help to discover new drugs and develop new treatment options or cures for future patients.

Become a Tissue Donor

It is always the patient and/or the families' decision to become a tissue donor or not. We take as much time as necessary for you as the patient and your family to be informed about the tissue donation program and answer any questions you my have. We work closely with your medical practitioner to ensure your safety and confidentiality during your tissue and information collection.

The following information may be helpful in arriving at the decision to donate:

• Donations are accepted by most religions. Please consult your religious advisor for specific information and questions.
• Donating tissue rarely requires additional procedures to be done.
• There is no cost to you or your insurance to donate tissue.
• Individuals under the age of 18 can donate their tissue with appropriate consent and/or assent.

Process of Tissue Donation

1. Inform your healthcare provider you are interested and request the tissue donation process. They will notify us of your interest for more information on tissue donation.

2. A member of our team will contact you to discuss your questions, provide information on tissue donation, and if you are interested in donating, they will receive your written permission for donation using an Informed Consent Form and Authorization.

3. A member of our staff will be present on the day of your procedure to receive your tissue.

Tissue Donation FAQs

Where are the tissue samples stored?

HSPS will store donated specimens at St. Joseph's Hospital and Medical Center, 350 W Thomas Road, Phoenix, AZ, 85013.

How is the tissue labeled once it is collected?

The sample placed in a tube and is labeled with the unique number. Patient names are not listed on this tube.

Is there any other information recorded?

Yes, the researcher will be given your sample along with some health information that we have recorded, which is uniquely identified to protect your true identity. Some information such as your diagnoses, past treatments, and laboratory results may be provided to the researchers. Please contact a HSPS representative if you have any questions.

Can I ask that my tissue be destroyed?

Yes, at anytime you may request your tissue be destroyed. A letter needs to be sent to the attention of HSPS Program Principal Investigator.

Contact the Human Specimen Procurement Service

To learn more about tissue donation to St. Joseph's, call (602) 406-4700.

Human Specimen Procurement Service
St. Joseph's Hospital and Medical Center
Barrow Neurological Institute
350 W Thomas Road
Phoenix, AZ 85013

Fax: 602.406.4705