Informed consent for genetic research on stored tissue samples.
OBJECTIVE
To develop recommendations for obtaining adequate informed consent in the future when gathering tissue samples that may be used for genetic studies and defining the circumstances under which it is necessary to obtain further consent if tissue samples already in hand are to be used for such research.


METHODS
Scientists, ethicists, lawyers, and consumers selected by the National Center for Human Genome Research and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention to represent a wide array of opinions.


METHODS
Statutes, regulations, and cases and articles on law and ethics.


METHODS
Initial workshop, followed by circulation of several drafts of this document with opportunities for comment by workshop participants and others as well as smaller meetings involving participants with widely differing views.


CONCLUSIONS
Genetic research using stored tissue samples poses an array of benefits and risks to individuals, researchers, and society. As a result, the workshop participants conclude that (1) informed consent is required for all genetic research using linkable samples unless conditions for limitation or waiver are met; (2) informed consent is not required for genetic research using anonymous samples but may be considered if identifiers are to be removed from currently linkable samples; (3) institutional review boards could usefully review all protocols that propose to use samples for genetic research; and (4) further work regarding these issues is warranted.
D035041:Anonymous Testing; D002648:Child; D032921:Consensus; D030561:Databases, Nucleic Acid; D030881:Disclosure; D026822:Ethicists; D028744:Ethics Committees, Research; D004992:Ethics, Medical; D035082:Federal Government; D030661:Genetic Privacy; D036281:Genetic Research; D005826:Genetics, Medical; D033161:Government Regulation; D018594:Human Body; D006801:Humans; D007258:Informed Consent; D033241:Lawyers; D033282:Parental Consent; D012106:Research; D035842:Research Subjects; D018570:Risk Assessment; D014019:Tissue Donors; D014021:Tissue Preservation; D009927:Tissue and Organ Procurement