HUM-MOLGEN archive: No Subject

From: Leslie Biesecker <leslieb@HELIX.NIH.GOV> To the editor, I hope that Kris Hawley has received approval from a human subjects or institutional review board before soliciting samples for the purpose of genetic research. I am not familiar with the regulations in Canada, but I assume (and hope) that Canada has a system of human subjects protection similar to that of the US. This brings up a more general point with the HUM_MOLGEN service. I would encourage all correspondents to be clear about whether the testing they are offering is of a service or research nature. If the service is part of a research protocol, that should be clearly stated and should be approved by an IRB. The solicitation of research subjects is a sensitive issue and should be done with proper oversight. I appreciate that the editor may not be able to screen solicitations for a variety of reasons but it may be prudent to institute some sort of self-policing of these requests. Leslie Biesecker NIH/NCHGR Bldg 49 Room 4A80 Bethesda, MD 20892 Phone 301-402-2041 Fax 301-402-2170 Email leslieb@helix.nih.gov ************************* EDITORS' REPLY:This is an excellent point. HUM-MOLGEN's editors will confer to determine whether an editorial policy is needed or feasible as soon as possible. Suggestions from subscribers as to what that policy could or should be are solicited. If somebody out there has a copy of the CFR regulations or any Canadian or other regulations covering such solicitations, please forward them to HUM-MOLGEN or contact us to make arrangements for s-mail delivery.