Human Tissue
The use of Human Tissue for research purposes is governed by the Human Tissue Act 2004 (and subsequent amendments). This legislation regulates the removal, storage and use of human tissue – defined as “relevant material” that has come from a human body and consists of, or includes, human cells.
What is relevant material?
As stated above, relevant material is from a human body and contains human cells. Examples include:
- Blood
- Urine
- Faeces
- Tissue Samples
- Saliva
- Sputum
- Skin
- Bone
A list of Human Tissue Act 2004 relevant material is available from the Human Tissue Authority website.
Nails and hair from the living are not considered as relevant material and gametes are also excluded.
Where relevant material is processed, treated or lysed and as a result of the process or treatment is rendered acellular, then the material may be regarded as such. This includes cells divided and created outside the human body and the freeze/thaw process that is intended to render the material acellular.
Key to the use of human tissue for research purposes is ensuring the appropriate informed consent is obtained from the person who has donated their tissue. Their consent must be given for the removal, storage and use of the material. In turn, the University requires that when material is used for research purposes it has the appropriate ethical consideration.
Any relevant material being brought into the University must be accompanied by a Material Transfer Agreement.
The University has standard operating procedures for research involving Human Tissue.
