title: The use of human tissue in epidemiological research; ethical and legal considerations in two biobanks in Belgium.
abstract: This paper discusses the legal implications of setting up two new biobanks in Belgium. The first is hospital-based and will archive tissue from patients with haematologic cancer, whereas the second is linked to a general practice based morbidity registry and will involve storage of blood samples. To date, Belgium has no specific legislation that regulates storage of human tissue and related databases. Several issues concerning the protection of individuals with regard to the processing of personal medical data are discussed from the existing privacy legislation. We will address the principle of consent (broad versus specific) and the type of data recorded (anonymous, encoded and identifiable) for both biobanks.
authors: Department of General Practice, Katholieke Universiteit Leuven, Kapucijnenvoer 33, Blok j, bus 7001, 3000, Leuven, Belgium. carla.truyers@med.kuleuven.be
authors: Carla
authors: C
authors: Truyers
authors: Eliane
authors: E
authors: Kellen
authors: Marc
authors: M
authors: Arbyn
authors: Leen
authors: L
authors: Trommelmans
authors: Herman
authors: H
authors: Nys
authors: Karen
authors: K
authors: Hensen
authors: Bert
authors: B
authors: Aertgeerts
authors: Stefaan
authors: S
authors: Bartholomeeusen
authors: Mats
authors: M
authors: Hansson
authors: Frank
authors: F
authors: Buntinx
mesh_terms: D001530:Belgium; D001771:Blood Banks / Q000941:ethics*; D003219:Confidentiality; D016021:Epidemiologic Studies; D019337:Hematologic Neoplasms; D006801:Humans; D007258:Informed Consent; D014015:Tissue Banks / Q000941:ethics*