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Human tissues
Since 2001, Héma-Québec has managed Canada’s largest human tissue bank, which is also the only human tissue bank in Québec. Héma-Québec collects and processes human tissues from Québec donors for distribution to hospitals in the province’s health care network for transplant purposes.
Resources for health care professionals who refer potential human tissue donors
Resources for human tissue transplant professionals
Mandate of sole distributor of human tissue
As a strategic partner of the health care network, Héma-Québec has been ensuring the entire supply of human tissues to Québec hospitals since December 2024, under the mandate of sole distributor of human tissue granted to it by the Ministry of Health and Social Services (MSSS) in 2021.
Héma-Québec acts as a supplier of human tissues for transplantation and manages the Human Tissue Bank for Québec. Héma-Québec is required to:
- Raise awareness among the general public and health care professionals about the importance of identifying and recommending potential donors. When a potential donor is recommended, the Héma-Québec team takes charge of the process of evaluating and harvesting human tissue, including corneas.
- Harvest and process the various tissues, with respect for the deceased and their family and loved ones, and prepare them for possible transplantation. Héma-Québec collects musculoskeletal tissue (ligaments, tendons, bone fragments, femoral heads), arterial tissue (abdominal aortas, arteries), skin tissue, heart valves, and corneas.
- Ensure the safe distribution of human tissue to various hospitals.
More about Héma-Québec’s role: from recommendation to transplant
Resources
Bulletin Tissus Humains : Stay connected to what matters most
Designed for health care professionals, this monthly newsletter provides information on clinical practices related to human tissue donation, training opportunities, available resources, and industry news. You will also find referral statistics and inspiring initiatives to support your role in this donation chain. Subscribe to receive a reliable, relevant, and motivating source of information directly in your inbox. The Newsletter is available in French only.
