What is the aim of the UK PDS Tissue Bank?
The aim of the new PDS Tissue Bank is to supply high quality samples of human brain and other tissue to scientists studying the causes and treatments of Parkinson’s Disease. What system do we use to collect tissue? We run a prospective donor scheme in which donors register their wish to donate their brain, spinal cord and some CSF to the Tissue Bank when they die. Our registered prospective donors include people with Parkinson’s, Parkinson’s related disorders and control donors. Each prospective donor completes three forms; a donor form, which they sign themselves indicating their wish to donate; a next-of-kin form for a relative to complete; a health information form. The next-of-kin form is essential, due to the fact that following the death of a donor; permission from the next-of-kin has to be obtained before any tissue can be removed. Each prospective donor is sent a donor card which we ask them to carry with them at all times. The card contains our 24 hour emergency contact number
