The Biobank

Instructions for PIs and research teams

All projects that are contributing or accessing data and/or samples from the MCI Living lab Biobank will need to go through an MUHC REB and Biobank Oversight Committee (BOC) evaluation.
Only biomaterial/clinical data from projects authorized by the BOC will be banked and or accessed.

1. CONTRIBUTING TO THE RESPIRATORY BANK

In the case where your study involves recruiting a cohort of participants and collecting data and or samples and biobanking with the MCI Living lab. Once the study analysis is complete remaining data and samples is to be stored in the biobank for future studies.

Notes: Ensure that the storage of data and samples in a biobank and the sharing for future studies is included in the consent forms.

NAGANO: This type of study requires you to submit a study protocol, consent forms, questionnaires and data collection Case Report Forms to the MUHC REB through Nagano. This list is not exhaustive. The following are templates found on the Centre for Applied Ethics website https://muhc.ca/cae/templates-consent-forms.

CONSENT FORMS

PROTOCOL AND BIOBANK FRAMEWORK

MCI Living Lab Biobank:

  • Researchers will submit their proposals to the BOC using the “Sample / Data Contributing Form”. Details of the project will be reviewed at the BOC meetings, ensuring that the scope of the proposed project is inline with the objectives of the Respiratory Biobank.
  • If the collection of a sample requires the intervention of a surgeon, the researcher must communicate and coordinate with the appropriate surgical team.
  • Material collected during surgery for clinical purposes are first assessed by a pathologist. Remaining material not required for diagnosis that would normally be discarded are available for research. The Biobank team will be advised and the remaining material will be collected, processed and banked.
  • When researchers send participants’ samples to the Respiratory Biobank, they must clearly state any restrictions on sharing the samples or data (such as requirements from external funding). These restrictions will be assessed by the BOC.
  • Amendments to the Biobank framework and consent form must be made before collecting any material or data that falls outside the scope of the existing framework and consent.

2. OBTAINING ACCESS TO THE RESPIRATORY BIOBANK

In this case your study will involve the use of existing data and samples from the MCI Living lab Biobank. Your study will become a sub-study under the MCI Living lab.

NAGANO: As a sub-study you will just need to complete the MUHC REB “Use Protocol” that will be reviewed by delegate members of the REB and not a the full REB board.
Use Protocol Template

MCI Living Lab Biobank:
Researchers will submit their proposals (Use Protocol – for RI-MUHC PIs) to the BOC using the “Sample / Data Request Form”.

  • Details of the project will be reviewed at the BOC meetings, ensuring that the scope of the proposed project is inline with the objectives of the Respiratory Biobank.
  • If the Respiratory BOC identifies groups inappropriately recruiting participants / collecting biomaterials and clinical data, the Respiratory BOC will notify and counsel them appropriately.
  • The Respiratory BOC retains the right to refuse to consent participants / store biomaterials and clinical data if appropriate procedures have not been followed.
  • If the use of requested material and or data exceeds the scope of the Biobank framework and consent form, an amendment to the framework and consent is required before material and data can be accessed.