In fact, the FDA recently shut down Biomedical Tissue Services, a tissue recovery company accused of gross negligence and malpractice in its harvesting and distribution of tissues that may have been infected. If you're in need of a tissue transplant (common body transplants include bone marrow, ligaments, skin and other tissues), protect yourself against tainted tissues. Here's how: Seek Information If you are in line for a human body tissue transplant, it's not a good time to be dishonest with your doctor.

Now's your chance to ask vital questions about the human body tissue transplant process. Arm yourself with as much information about the tissue transplant as possible, and keep detailed records for your future use.

Seek Alternatives: An additional option may include having your own tissue transplanted to other areas of the body. In addition, there may be options such as animal or synthetic tissues for your transplants.

Seek Answers: Simply ask your physician if they can provide absolute assurance that the body tissue you will receive in your surgery is safe and certified. If your doctor isn't comfortable providing answers about the origins of the human body tissue he'll use in your surgery, put the procedure on hold until you gain satisfactory information.

Look for Accreditation: The American Association of Tissue Banks is a peer organization that has stringent standards for member banks. Tainted tissues are protected from cross-contamination by these standards.

Research certified tissue banks and find accountability for the use of the tissue. In addition, make sure that your procedure is performed in a facility that has been accredited by the Joint Commission on Accreditation of Healthcare Organizations. This accreditation means that the facility follows the Commission's stringent tissue screening and handling guidelines in addition to federal and state regulations.

Write it Down: Ask your doctor for the names and contact information for each tissue bank or other company that provided tissues for your transplant procedure. Each facility should also be involved in the American Association of Tissue Banks to ensure that the tissue is certified.

Find Assistance

Because of the increased risk of tainted body tissues among transplant patients, it is important to know who to speak to if protection doesn't occur. If you experience health problems after a tissue transplant, speak with an experienced medical malpractice and negligence attorney about your tainted tissue transplant.

An experienced tissues lawyer will be able to help you assess whether you have a valid claim and aid you in filing your tissues law suit. It is imperative that the FDA receive a report from your doctor; your lawyer will help you file your claim and gain the monetary compensation you deserve for your tainted tissue illness.