Brain Autopsy Instructions
for Funeral Homes
Northwestern Alzheimer's Disease Center
These instructions are to be given to the funeral home in advance
if possible, so that any questions can be answered to facilitate
brain donation.
The family of ________________________ has given permission for
a brain autopsy (brain removal) to be conducted as part of a research
program at the Northwestern Alzheimer’s Disease Center.
For medical research, we try to begin the autopsy as soon as possible
after death. PLEASE HOLD EMBALMING PROCEDURES UNTIL AFTER BRAIN
REMOVAL.
Removing the brain at Northwestern Hospital - downtown Chicago
Delivery is coordinated by Medical Records and the hospital Security
service. Please let Northwestern Hospital know you are coming (Medical
Records, 312 926 3375. If there is no answer at night, please call
312 926 2000 for the Administrator on Duty). These numbers can also
provide any delivery information you might need.
The decedent must be appropriately name-tagged. Come to the Northwestern
Hospital dock at 715 North St. Clair Street with the body.
At the dock, a security officer will let you into the hospital.
You will need to notify the hospital immediately of your arrival.
During office hours call Medical Records at 312-926-3375. After
hours you will need to call the operator at 312- 926-2000 and ask
for the administrator on duty. In case there is any difficulty, have Security call the Autopsy Coordinator at 773-495-2982.
Medical Records will work with you for body pick-up after the brain
removal is complete. Brain removal is usually conducted every day
on a daytime basis (9-3).
The Medical Examiner requires us to obtain a death certificate
from the Family MD to verify normal cause of death before proceeding
with our brain donation. In the death certificate, the Family MD
confirms for us it is not a M.E. case. We appreciate your help in
expediting the death certificate from the Family MD.
Billing/Questions
The autopsy coordinator of the Northwestern Alzheimer’s Disease
Center is available at 312-695-2343, Monday-Friday, (8:00 am - 5:00
pm) to answer questions. The Autopsy Coordinator is also available through our “24 hour” autopsy line at 773-495-2982.
For more information, contact the Memory Research team at 312-695-2343 or
at memoryresearch@northwestern.edu
Related Information
Brain Donation: Making the Decision
Information for Participants
General Procedures
Nursing Home Information
|
