Acquisition of Human Tissue
In the UK, the acquisition and use in research of human tissue is regulated by law through The Human Tissues (Scotland) Act, 2006. The Human Tissue Authority that regulates activities concerning the removal, storage, use and disposal of human tissue has published a Code of Practice to which the University must adhere. Earlier in 2001, the MRC published "Human tissue and biological samples for use in research: operational and ethical guidelines". This operational guide informs best practice in this University.
The UK operates a series of tissue banks that are "not for profit" resources where UK medical researchers can source tissue. If the tissue required is not readily available from these banks, ethical approval from local NHS hospital trusts and informed consent from donors is required before the research can commence.
Recently, a number of international commercial companies have begun selling human tissue. It is therefore possible to purchase this material without any knowledge of its source or of any ethical approval given for its collection. Researchers must be aware that the purchase and use of human material under these circumstances would be considered unethical in the UK. The responsibility rests upon researchers to ensure they have documented evidence of ethical sourcing prior to purchase, storage or use of human material.
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