Handling of Existing Human Tissues

Handling of existing human tissues

 

For the continued use of human tissues collected and not rendered non-identifiable prior to 1 Nov 2019 , researchers are to ensure the following:

  • For continued use in individually-identifiable or de-identified* form:
    PIs are to ensure that the storage, supply and use of human tissue removed prior to the activation date have been consented by the donor containing these 3 'core' information:
    -   Research purpose for which the tissue is intended to be used;
    -   The donor's right to withdraw his/her consent;
    -   Extent to which donor records will be kept confidential.

    *Note1: To de-identify samples, PIs are to irreversibily remove  identifiers (e.g. name, NRIC, etc) linked to the samples and replace them with randomly generated ID codes. However, data on the characteristics of the samples can be retained. 

Imported Tissues: If you did not collect tissues from the donors yourself, and you have obtained the tissues from tissue repositories, please refer to our guidance on  import of HBM.

If tissues were obtained through collaborative research studies, please ensure that the main PI has obtained the relevant consent requirements for continued use of the tissues. 

​IMPORTANT: Even if you are not personally collecting tissues from donors, the storage, import and export of such human tissue falls under the Tissue Banking Activities of the Human Tissue Framework under HBRA.  Please register your collection in NTU's Ethics Review Management Portal (ERMP) to ensure that you are compliant with legislative requirements.

Click here for the guide to register your tissue banking activities in ERMP.

 

Legacy Human Biological Material (HBM) refers to HBM( including Human Tissues) which had been (1) removed from the donor's body and (2) rendered non-identifiable prior to the activation of the Human Tissue Framework (1 Nov 2019).

Such HBM may be used in research without appropriate consent. 

Legacy HBM are exempt from HBRA requirements, other than the following areas: