We, therefore, have explored tissue programs around the country. We were very impressed with the University of Washington program and felt this would be our best option for obtaining fetal cells in the future. Dr. Crouse said the University of Washington provides the fetal tissue to UNMC at no cost. This collection fee was mandated by the NIH two years ago to cover the program s expenses in collecting and processing the tissue and is the same fee charged to all universities and research institutes. No inducement, monetary or otherwise, is ever given to either clinics or patients for tissue donation.
Patients receive information sheets and, before donating tissue, sign informed consent forms.
The donation of tissue is completely free-will. Dr. Crouse said UNMC hopes to start receiving tissue samples from the University of Washington very shortly. In order to conduct the best possible research, it s critical that we receive the cells in a timely fashion. That s why we have used a local source in the past for our fetal cells, Dr. Crouse said. The University of Washington program provides overnight delivery, so our researchers are hopeful the cells will be suitable for research when we receive them.