Tissue donation does not require intact cardiovascular function. Still it should be considered a possibility in all circulatory deaths. There are very few contraindications to tissue donation such as cancer and sepsis. Tissues generally used for transplantation are corneas or sclera, skin, bone, tendons, soft tissue and heart valves. Great care is taken in the removal of tissues to ensure acceptable presentation of the body for funeral purposes. According to the most recent estimates, approximately 1.5 million tissues are distributed yearly in the United States.

Tissue that can be donated for transplantation include: