Frequently Asked Questions

von Hagens Plastination exclusively uses human tissue derived from body donors that have donated their body for plastination for anatomical and healthcare education. All donations are made in life under full and informed consent. The body donation program is managed by the Institute for Plastination and is subject to independent audit.

von Hagens Plastination does not sell or make a charge for human tissue. The costs associated with a qualified user acquiring human tissue containing specimens (HP, HS, HB) relate to the costs of production (e.g., person time, equipment, consumables and facilities), research, development, academic endeavor, customer engagement, and administrative and after-sales services. Every human specimen is hand crafted with care, with some taking 1500-2000h of work to complete.

Yes. Click here to learn more.

With proper handling and maintenance, plastinated specimens (HP & HS) will last indefinitely. The same is true of all our products, including Bones (HB), Anatomy Glass (HG) and Casts (HC).

Yes. Both Silicone Plastinates (HP) and Sheet Plastinates (HS) are safe to touch, non-hazardous, and require no specialist facility or storage conditions. They can be used by anyone and within multiple types learning environment (e.g. lab, classroom, patient-areas). To minimize the transfer of dirt (from user-to-specimen), we recommend handling using gloves.

Yes, they are translucent and can be used on overhead projectors! 

No. Electronic resources can supplement anatomical studies but cannot replace the benefit of studying real human tissue. Plastinates reveal real human anatomy from multiple and unique perspectives, facilitating a deeper comprehension of real morphology, relationships, functions, application and variance. Importantly, studying real human anatomy is personally connecting for learners, via the promotion of emotional engagement, and inherently demonstrating the real-world application of anatomical knowledge: these factors are essential to the learning process (1).

(1) Willis, J. (2007) Teachable Moments Build Relational Memories. Kappa Delta Pi Record 43.3

Yes. Many international education institutions are choosing to replace dissection with Silicone Plastinates since they are highly effective as standalone resources and enhance learning efficiency by empowering learners to instantly focus on individual learning needs. Silicone Plastinates integrate seamlessly into any type of curriculum and learning process with minimal adaptation.

Anatomical learning benefits from the use of multiple approaches, resources, view and techniques. Reliance on a single approach (e.g., dissection) is inefficient, ignores learner needs and ignores best practice learning theories. Silicone Plastinates can integrate seamlessly into a dissection-based course and offer unique and alternative views and routes for learning outcome attainment.

No. Silicone Plastinates (HP), Bones (HB) and Sheet Plastinates (HS) contain real human tissue and can only be acquired by qualified users (i.e., trained individuals employed at reputable training institutions with appropriate governance) for use in anatomical and health-related education. Casts (HC) and Anatomy Glass (HG) do not contain human tissue and can be acquired and used by anyone, anywhere.

Silicone Plastinates and Sheet Plastinates reveal real human anatomy in captivating detail. Designed by expert anatomists, they provide unrivalled and complimentary views of human anatomy. They are safe to use and suitable for all ages of learner. Read more about Silicone Plastinates here.

Yes. Numerous education institutions around the world, representing tens of thousands of learners, use Plastinates from von Hagens Plastination (vHP). Due to their high quality, and widely acceptable appearance, Plastinates from vHP are also used in international museums to educate the public about health and human anatomy.

Most Silicone Plastinates include a stand, although some do not - see individual product descriptions for details. Please contact us if you require a stand for a Silicone Plastinate that normally does not have one, or if you require modification to the stand provided.

Yes. We can advise on the types of resource required by a range of courses and can tailor this to a budget and number of students. Please contact us for recommendations related to your curriculum.

Dr Gunther von Hagens invented plastination in 1977 and is the founder von Hagens Plastination, Institute for Plastination and BIODUR.  Since 1977, he and his team have continually enhanced the plastination process. Learn more about his story here.

No. von Hagens Plastination, exclusively develops human Plastinates for use in anatomical and healthcare education. Our facility in Germany also produces the Plastinates displayed in BODY WORLDS exhibitions. Importantly, the Plastinates shown in BODY WORLDS exhibitions derive from patient donors who specifically consent to the use and public display of their body in BODY WORLDS. Click here  to learn more.

Plastinates from von Hagens Plastination (vHP) are perfectly dissected, perfectly positioned and perfectly preserved.  All vHP processes and practices align with international standards. Full and informed consent, respect and dignity, transparency, and quality assurance processes ensure that all our activities meet the highest ethical standards. All donated human tissue is treated with respect and dignity and is fully traceable to original donor consent. We never forget the generosity of our donors and the selfless gift they have provided for the benefit of education.

von Hagens Plastination is recognized as the world leader in preparation and preservation of plastinated anatomical specimens and operate to the highest ethical standards. Click here to learn more about our ethics.

The Institute for Plastination (IfP) was founded by Dr Gunther von Hagens that is dedicated to the development and advancement of plastination. The IfP, based in Heidelberg (Germany), operates the body donation program that supplies von Hagens Plastination.

BIODUR is a company founded by Dr Gunther von Hagens that offers services, polymers and equipment to facilities and laboratories conducting their own plastination.  Click here to learn more.

The PLASTINARIUM, located in Guben (Germany), is a public exhibition that allows visitors to view plastinated specimens, both human and animal, and to watch the dissection and positioning stages of the Plastinate process, live! Visitors can also learn about tissue preservation and plastination techniques. Click here to learn more.

This is the company that operates the brand, von Hagens Plastination.

We offer real human tissue as Silicone Plastinates (HP), Sheet Plastinates (HP), and Bones (HB). Human tissue free Anatomy Glass (HG) and Casts (HC) are also available. 

Yes. Bespoke Silicone Plastinates can be designed by qualified users to perfectly match their curricular and educational needs.  For more details, see the Bespoke product information page and contact your sales representative. 

Due to their unpredictable and sometimes uncommon nature, Silicone Plastinates and Bones showing defined pathologies are only available on a limited basis. You can read more about our Pathology range here. Please contact us or your sales representative for information on availability.

All available specimens and resources can be viewed on this website.

vHP ship directly from our facility in Germany. The cost depends on the dimensions and weight of the package and the destination. Shipping is billed at cost and is typically an additional 1-2% of the total order cost. Customers outside of the EU are responsible for paying import duties (taxes) and charges, depending on country-based regulations and the customs tariff number. In most cases, human anatomical specimens can be imported duty-free. We ship DAP (Delivered At Place), which means that the seller is responsible for arranging carriage and delivery to the customer-provided place. vHP also holds shipping insurance.

Due to the detailed and hand-crafted nature Platinates, production timelines may be up to 18 months. Please contact us or your sales representative for more detailed information and to share any deadlines. Anatomy Glass is available within 4-6 weeks.

A non-refundable 25% deposit is normally required upon acceptance of an order. Once an order is complete, it is non-returnable or refundable outside of warranty claims.

For pricing information, please build your collection on our website and submit it to us.  Alternatively, qualified users can create an online vHP Account to see pricing information next to each specimen.

No. Licensing related to the acquisition and use of human specimens for education does not fall under our remit. However, a license may be required in your country or region to allow human tissue import and/or use in education. Please check regional regulations and requirements prior to making a purchase.

A qualified user is a trained individual (or group of individuals) working at a recognized and reputable training institution with appropriate governance, who will use human specimens in anatomy and health-related education. Established science or health-related museums may also be eligible to obtain ‘gallery-grade’ specimens for display.  Please contact us if you have any questions regarding your qualified user status.

No. There is no application process. Prior to any sales-related interaction, we verify the qualified user status of all customers using a variety of processes and checks.

Yes. Most damage to Silicone Plastinates can be repaired. Minor damage can often be repaired by customers, whereas more significant damage can be repaired by us on-site or at our facility in Guben (Germany). Please contact us or your sales representative for an assessment of the damage and advice. We will require a clear description and images or video of the damage.

Yes. We provide customers with a free one-hour online specimen repair training session. A range of self-repair guides are also available via the vHP Account area.  

Yes. For more information, please see our warranty information.

All specimens are created to last indefinitely but depending on the type and frequency of use, may show signs wear or damage.  As part of our aftersales service, we offer an at-cost repair and refresh maintenance service. Please contact us or your sales representative for more information.

Please contact us or your sales representative to start a warranty claim. We will require a clear description and images or video of the problem.

Cleaning guides and maintenance instructions can be accessed via the online vHP Account area. For further information, please contact us or your sales representative.

Plastinates or Bones that are no longer required may be returned to von Hagens Plastination for use in other educational programs. In the rare case that Plastinates or Bones are damaged beyond repair, out of respect and dignity they should normally be cremated. Please contact us or your sales representative to discuss your situation and needs.

All products, including Anatomy Glass (HG) and Casts (HC), are made in our facility in Guben (Germany). Guben is located on the eastern border with Poland, about 2 hours from Berlin by train or car.

Yes. Qualified users are welcome to visit our facility in Guben (Germany), during regular business hours. Please contact us to arrange a meeting. Members of the public are welcome to visit the PLASTINARIUM during opening hours.

Please contact us or your sales representative for copies of invoices and other sales-related documentation.

Please contact us or your sales representative for assistance.  

No. Plastination of pets is not a regular service that we offer. Please contact us if you have any further questions.

Yes. BIODUR regularly offers plastination workshops. Learn more here.