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Transplant Terror: Life-Saving Tissue or Ticking Time Bomb?
In 2004, dozens of tissue banks and biomedical engineering firms recalled human tissue that had been processed over a two-year time span. From 2003-2005, these firms distributed vital organs and other human tissue that had been received from all over the United States. The reason for the recall? The tissue had been obtained illegally from cadavers and other sources and had not been tested for life-threatening illnesses such as AIDS and Hepatitis.
The cast of characters in this real-life horror includes mortuary employees, greedy biotech firms, and even hospital laboratory workers. Instead of burying the deceased with their tissues present, these crooks remove their organs and bones and replace them with heavy materials designed to disguise the fact that the bodies have been tampered with. A popular trick is using pipe to replace bone tissue – it’s just as heavy and very durable, so there’s a low risk of getting caught.
Once the tissues have been removed and replaced with pipe and other inorganic materials, the organs and tissue types are sold to biotechnology firms that are trying to keep up with the demand for life-saving tissue. Tissues are supposed to be screened extensively for diseases such as HIV, Hepatitis, and other life-threatening conditions. In this case, tissues are not screened and are distributed to hospitals and clinics for transplantation. Once transplanted into unsuspecting recipients, the tainted tissues are a lethal weapon.
Some lucky recipients never develop a problem and never become aware of the tainted tissues. Others are not so lucky. These unlucky ones are afflicted with a wide range of diseases and conditions, all because of a few greedy criminals. Avoid coming into contact with tainted tissue by doing the following:
Work only with reputable physicians and healthcare facilities.
The high cost of medical care is daunting, especially if you don’t have insurance. It may be tempting to use an unknown physician or a small facility to save money. Don’t cut corners where it counts. Find a transplant physician with excellent credentials and a facility with a stellar reputation.
Ask questions.
Don’t be afraid to ask questions about where your tissues were harvested and processed. Information is one of your best defenses, so gather your ammunition and use it carefully.
Stay informed.
Stay informed about the issue of tainted transplant tissue by monitoring the news and scientific websites to find out about recalls as they happen. For most people, a recall will never be an issue, but your best bet is to be vigilant and be prepared to act should a tainted tissue problem arise.
Published: Jul 14,2008 10:29
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Andy Cowan
Andy Cowan, an award-winning writer, whose credits include Cheers and Seinfeld, regularly contributes humor pieces to the Los Angeles Times and the CBS Jack FM Radio Network.
Paul M. J. Suchecki
Paul M. J. Suchecki has more than 30 years of experience as an award winning writer, producer, and cameraman. He's written numerous newspaper and magazine articles. Currently he writes, produces and shoots for LA CityView Channel 35 and his more than 250 articles for Ehow.com are approaching half a million readers.
Coby Kindles
Coby Kindles is a freelance journalist, screenplay writer and essayist. She has been a staff writer at Knight Ridder and a regular contributor to The Associated Press.
Debbie Milam
Debbie Milam is a syndicated columnist for United Press International, an occupational therapist, family success consultant, and motivational speaker with more than 20 years experience. Her work on stress management, spirituality, parenting, and special-needs children has been featured in over 300 media outlets including First for Women, The Miami Herald, Elle, Ladies Home Journal, The Hallmark Channel, PBS and WebMD.
Dan Rafter
Dan Rafter has covered the residential real estate industry for more than 15 years. He has contributed real estate stories to the Washington Post, Chicago Tribune, Business 2.0 Magazine, Home Magazine, Smart HomeOwner Magazine and many others.
Jack Nargundkar
Jack Nargundkar has been repeatedly published in Business Week, The Wall Street Journal, The Washington Post, and The New York Times. He is also an author of "The Bush Diaries" published in July 2005.
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