First Spanish program of virtual body donation. Medico-legal issues and academic, clinical care and research interest

Abstract Body donation is in the basis of transplantation programs, founded on receptor and donor rights. Nevertheless, if the purpose is not directed to healthcare, the regulation is different both in live or deceased individuals. “Imaging techniques” generates digital files containing the “virtual body” of the patient, raising a new possibility: virtual body donation, which is not regulated in Spain and would not be compliant with legal requirements for other ways of donation. A pioneer program for virtual body donation is presented, analysing its characteristics, medico-legal issues, organisation and functioning. Having an unlimited number of virtual specimens (normal and pathological) could support a new way for teaching and research. These resources would also have the advantage of learning virtual biopsy (virtopsy). It is thought that these programs, pioneers in Spain, could be useful for introducing similar initiatives that would have unlimited applications in teaching and research both in forensic and morphological sciences.