My project involves the use of buffy coats, do I need ethical approval?
A buffy coat is the term for a blood pack from the blood bank. A donor gives approximately 400mls of blood which is then concentrated to approximately 100 mls and at this point the donated blood is called a buffy coat (the increased concentration of white blood cells give it a “buffy” colour). Buffy coats are used for transfusion or if they are not acceptable for transfusion but are not diseased (e.g. HIV, hepatitis & syphilis negative) they are donated to research. These are totally anonymous and the only information given is whether or not they have been tested for disease and, sometimes, which blood type. CUREC does not require an ethics form for laboratory research using buffy coats. However there are occasions when the National Blood Service donating the buffy coats may require ethical approval from the University. In this instance a checklist completion will suffice. Applicants should answer Question C (8) as a ‘NO’. A covering note should be sent to the Secretary of the MSD IDRE
Related Questions
- I have already sought and obtained ethical approval from the NHS for my project. Do I still need to obtain ethical approval from the Psychology Research Ethics Committee?
- Does my research project require ethical approval if it only involves the analysis of existing data?
- My project involves the use of buffy coats, do I need ethical approval?
