What is the procedure for donating my body to the University?
By planning in advance, you can eliminate any confusion regarding your wishes. You may call 323-442-1229 or e-mail danahall@usc.edu and request that we send our brochure and donation forms to you. These documents are also available to print here. Upon receipt, complete the forms and return the originals to the medical school.
Can I register a loved one on their behalf?
No. USC only accepts pre-registration for individuals who are electing to donate their body at their own accord. Conservatorship and Agents for Power of Attorney are not accepted as a bequeathal.
What are the costs involved in donating one’s body?
There will be a fee for transportation of a donor to USC if the location is outside of a 75-mile radius. The family or heirs are responsible for this cost and is subject to change.
USC does not provide any copies of the death certificate. The fee for a death certificate is set forth by the county in which the death occurs. The current fee is $24 (each).
How is a body transported to USC?
The University has its own transport service. Once we are informed that a death has occurred, we will arrange transportation. Please do not contact a mortuary to provide this service for you.
Can I rescind my donation?
Yes. Written notification to our office is requested.
Are there any reasons the University may not be able to accept a body?
Body donors must be properly enrolled prior to death to ensure acceptance into our program, and for the well being of our faculty, staff and students, we cannot accept the donation of remains if the following conditions are present:
- Hepatitis, HIV, Jakob-Creutzfeldt disease, Methicillin-resistant staphylococcus aureus (MRSA), Covid-19, or any other contagious disease.
- Individuals who weigh 200 pounds or more
- Decomposition of the body due to time or place of death
- Trauma
- Jaundice
- Recent surgeries
- If the body has been embalmed or autopsied
- If any vital organs other than eyes have been removed for transplant donation
- If USC is not notified of the death of the donor within 48 hours
- Decubitus ulcers stages III & IV
Please understand that we cannot guarantee in advance that one’s body will be accepted for donation. We recommend you make alternative arrangements in the event your donation is declined.
Can a body be donated to study a specific disease?
No. Remains bequeathed to the University are primarily utilized in regularly scheduled courses in the training of physicians for the Keck School of Medicine, School of Dentistry and Physical Therapy. They may also be utilized for other scientific and instructional purposes. No written report of our findings concerning a donated body will be made to any individual or organization.
How does one obtain a Certificate of Death?
The University will file the Certificate of Death for the remains accepted by the University. Certified copies can be obtained by applying to the Department of Health, Vital Statistics Division, in the county where death occurred.
What will happen to my body when the University has completed their studies?
Upon completion of our studies, we will follow the instructions set forth by the donor upon registration. The length of study cannot be predicted at the time of donation and can range from 2 weeks to 4 years. If the donor has elected for their cremated remains to be returned to their family, the cremated remains must be picked up within 3 years after the date of cremation. If we do not hear from the family or designated person within the 3 years following cremation, the cremated remains will be sent to the Los Angeles County Coroner for disposition consistent with the County’s practices in place at that time.