Mary Lanning Healthcare became one of the first hospital in Nebraska to offer its obstetric patients the chance to donate to Birth Tissue Donor Services (BTDS).
Zach Thurber, BTDS Director of Hospital Development, said placental tissue after a healthy birth can be recycled to help many other patients. Instead, BTDS collects the tissue, which is normally discarded, and sends it on for processing into allografts. Allografts are used to cure burns, skin ulcers, occular issues and more.
Thurber said the BTDS process is new to many physicians, nurses and staff. But, he said, BTDS is registered with the FDA and follows the American Association of Tissue Bank standards. Plus, he and his staff work to customize the program to meet hospital policies.
“We want to make the process easy and smooth, and work in the background so as not to interfere with hospital staff and patient care,” Thurber said.
Following a healthy C-section or vaginal birth, new mothers are asked whether they would like to donate. Thurber said his staff works with the patient’s nurse so they talk to the new mothers at an ideal time.
Brigette Deepe is the BTDS Recovery Coordinator at MLH.
BTDS’ corporate offices are located in Tennessee. The company serves hospitals in seven states, including Nebraska. For more information, please see birthtissuedonor.com.