International requirements for consent in biobank research. Qualitative review of research guidelines

It is uncontroversial that, if any possible, biobank researcher should seek consent from the individuals whose biomaterials they use. However, a gold standard for consent procedures in Biobank research does not yet exist. Also research guidelines do not explicitly mention all potentially relevant issues for consent in biobank research. Based on a qualitative review of internationally-recognized research guidelines, we present a list of all 41 consent issues that are of potential relevance to biobank research. Furthermore, we explain similarities and differences between the analysed guidelines. Our findings can inform the balanced development and evaluation of consent forms, as well as the development and revision of corresponding research guidelines. (By Dr. Daniel Strech, http://jmg.bmj.com/content/early/2014/10/28/jmedgenet-2014-102692 )