Can a medical investigator case still be an organ or tissue donor?
Yes. Once family members have expressed interest, the Lions Eye Bank and New Mexico Donor Program coordinators work closely with the Medical Investigator, and will review the appropriateness of the organ harvest with the Medical Investigator before allowing family members to formally consent to the donation. Procedures to obtain organs and tissues are done within hospital operating rooms, and not at the Medical Investigator’s office. Being the victim of a homicide or other traumatic death does not preclude being a donor. All cases for organ donation require family consent.
