Human Fetal Tissue (HFT) Review

Protocols using HFT require ancillary review

• Review is required for proposed new experiments with human fetal tissue (HFT), defined as tissue or cells obtained from a dead human embryo or fetus after a spontaneous or induced abortion, or after a stillbirth, but does not include established human fetal cell lines.  RNA, DNA, protein, or subcellular derivatives of HFT, and data derived by others from HFT, do not require HFT review.
• The HFT ancillary review will ensure that HFT is used only when scientifically justifiable, and in the least amount to achieve the scientific outcomes.
• The PI must provide, on the ancillary review form:
  • The research goals and anticipated benefits of the research
  • Why alternatives to HFT can’t achieve these goals, and how that was determined
  • The source of the HFT
  • The experimental use of HFT
  • Detailed budget information about the acquisition
  • Affirmation from the PI that HFT was not acquired for “valuable consideration”
  • Detailed vendor information, if acquired from a commercial source
  • MTA information, if the HFT was acquired through an agreement
• The ancillary review must be reviewed and “approved” by the HFT Review Committee before the IRBO will act upon the associated IRB protocol.

Policy: Coming Soon