Rules for Tissue Use

The University of Florida Department of Orthopaedic Surgery and Sports Medicine is committed to maintaining the highest level of ethical and legal integrity concerning human tissue use. Tissue is only used for the purpose of approved research and educational advances. All employees, representatives, agents and guests are expected to uphold all local, state and federal statutes, laws, rules and regulations concerning tissue use, handling, storage and disposal.

1. If you would like to perform a dissection on human tissue, please contact Chris Koenig, 352-273-7372.
2. NO FOOD OR DRINK ALLOWED IN LAB!
3. If you are collecting tissue from a patient or cadaver that you would like to use for a dissection or research study, please contact Chris Koenig. Specimens that are brought to the lab from surgery MUST have a medical record number and a signed patient informed consent as well as completed permission request.
4. All participants and observers must sign Pledge of Respect form prior to working in lab.
5. NEVER REMOVE TISSUE FROM THE LAB!
6. When finished with tissue from either a dissection or research study, put it in a red bag, label it, update the Freezer Log and put the specimen back in the freezer. If possible replace tissue into the same location in the freezer it was taken from so we can keep track of where the specimens are for future reference.
7. DO NOT dispose of any human tissue. DO NOT put human tissue in a regular trash bin, a biohazard box or down the sink drain. Put tissue back into the freezer when you are finished with it.
8. Clean up after yourself. All disposable dissection and cleaning supplies that come into contact with human tissue or fluids should be put into a biohazard box when you are finished with them. After a dissection, refreeze ALL tissue pieces.