Written Question · S6W-21731 · Session 6
Whether it can provide figures on how many (a) pieces of human tissue, (b) brains and (c) other human materials, which were recovered durin…
The question
To ask the Scottish Government whether it can provide figures on how many (a) pieces of human tissue, (b) brains and (c) other human materials, which were recovered during post-mortem examinations conducted under the instruction of the Crown Office and Procurator Fiscal Service (COPFS), are currently in storage.
The answer
As at 28 September 2023, no whole organs (including brains) are being retained following a post mortem examination instructed by the Procurator Fiscal.
Human tissue samples are obtained in the majority of post mortem examinations instructed by the Procurator Fiscal, but only where necessary to assist in confirming the deceased’s cause of death, identify inherited genetic conditions or to establish identification through DNA.
It is a matter for the pathologist conducting the post mortem examination to decide whether it is necessary to obtain tissue samples in order for them to instruct further tests or examinations to clarify the cause of death. The pathologist will make the decision whether any organs require to be removed during the examination for further testing, either whole organs, or small samples from organs. At the conclusion of the Procurator Fiscal’s investigation, by virtue of the Human Tissue (Scotland) Act 2006 any blocks and slides prepared for the purposes of histopathology (examination of the tissue under a microscope to detect any signs of disease, damage or other abnormalities) are considered to be part of the medical records of the deceased person. No samples that are retained are kept by COPFS and they are instead retained by the NHS.
COPFS keeps a record of all cases where a pathologist has decided that it is necessary to retain a whole organ during a post mortem examination. This record also includes details of when an organ is returned to the family of the deceased at the conclusion of examinations.
It is not possible to provide an exact figure of the number of other samples currently being retained.
Human tissue samples are obtained in the majority of post mortem examinations instructed by the Procurator Fiscal, but only where necessary to assist in confirming the deceased’s cause of death, identify inherited genetic conditions or to establish identification through DNA.
It is a matter for the pathologist conducting the post mortem examination to decide whether it is necessary to obtain tissue samples in order for them to instruct further tests or examinations to clarify the cause of death. The pathologist will make the decision whether any organs require to be removed during the examination for further testing, either whole organs, or small samples from organs. At the conclusion of the Procurator Fiscal’s investigation, by virtue of the Human Tissue (Scotland) Act 2006 any blocks and slides prepared for the purposes of histopathology (examination of the tissue under a microscope to detect any signs of disease, damage or other abnormalities) are considered to be part of the medical records of the deceased person. No samples that are retained are kept by COPFS and they are instead retained by the NHS.
COPFS keeps a record of all cases where a pathologist has decided that it is necessary to retain a whole organ during a post mortem examination. This record also includes details of when an organ is returned to the family of the deceased at the conclusion of examinations.
It is not possible to provide an exact figure of the number of other samples currently being retained.
In the Official Report
No contribution in the Official Report cites S6W-21731 by reference.