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Procedure for recommending a potential donor before death (in the context of medical aid in dying [MAID])
Depending on their state of health, Quebecers receiving end-of-life care can now choose medical aid in dying (MAID). In recent years, there has been a significant increase in the use of this procedure, making it necessary to educate health care personnel about the importance of discussing human tissue donation in this situation. Human tissue donation plays an important role in the process, as it offers patients the opportunity to leave a legacy after their death. You play a key role in this process, as your intervention will allow the patient to express their wishes.
Supporting your patient in their wish to donate human tissue
The process of donating human tissue in the context of medical treatment simplifies things for loved ones, since the donor’s eligibility is determined before their death. The person who expresses the wish to donate their tissue can answer the various eligibility questions themselves with Héma-Québec staff. For loved ones who are relieved of this burden, this aspect is reassuring.
Consult the document Procedure to refer a potential donor before death (in the context of MAID).
Depending on the age of the donor, the following human tissues may be harvested:
Cardiovascular tissues
From birth to 70 years of age
Skin and musculoskeletal tissues
From 15 to 75 years of age
Eye tissue
From 2 to 85 years of age inclusive
Recommending someone for tissue donation before death (in the context of MAID)
To recommend a potential donor, the person must agree to the recommendation and not meet any of the following exclusion criteria:
- Over 86 years of age;
- HIV, Hepatitis B virus or Hepatitis C virus;
- Active and untreated systemic infection;
- Blood cancer (lymphoma, leukemia, Hodgkin’s disease, multiple myeloma);
- Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s, dementia of unknown etiology;
- Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, multiple sclerosis.
If there are no exclusion criteria, fill out the form «Identification of potential donor undergoing MAID assessment» and email or fax it to Héma-Québec:
- Email : coordonnateurs.th@hema-quebec.qc.ca
- Fax : 418 780-2097
In all cases, a medical and social assessment is conducted to validate the eligibility of potential donors. For example, solid cancer is not an absolute reason for refusing tissue donation.
Héma-Québec has developed tools to help you support patients and their loved ones in their decision to consent to human tissue donation.
Resources for health care professionals
Useful informations for family and friends
You would like to recommend a potential human tissue donor to Héma-Québec?
If you have any questions or would like to recommend someone for donation, please contact our hospital customer service department, available from 6 a.m. to midnight, 7 days a week:
- Phone: 1 888 366-7338 (option 2)
- Fax: 418 780-2097
- Email: coordonnateurs.th@hema-quebec.qc.ca