Investigators who wish to share cell lines or DNA samples from the NHGRI Repository with other investigators must read the statement below and contact the Repository before ordering or transferring samples to a collaborator.
Genetic research often involves collaborations among several investigators or several laboratories that study the same sets of samples toward a common goal. Also, many labs benefit from using common biological materials for research. Secondary distribution is allowed only where both the protection of human subjects and the quality of the samples can be ensured. Examples of situations in which the issue of secondary distribution or shared use might be raised are described below, along with the NHGRI Repository's policy and the rationale behind the policy.
Permitted Uses:
1. Single purpose collaboration - Two or more investigators initiate a collaborative project that requires the use by each laboratory of the same cell line or DNA sample. One investigator obtains a sample and explains in the Statement of Research Intent that the sample will be shared with specific, named collaborator(s) for a common research project. Secondary distribution to the named collaborator(s) may be permitted when the Research Intent is identical for all the named collaborator(s) and is thus consistent with the NHGRI Assurance Form and where quality can be reasonably ensured by virtue of the collaboration. Each collaborating investigator must submit an Assurance Form. Residual materials must be returned to the Principal Investigator or be destroyed. Samples may not be transferred to a third party.
2. Multi-user core facility - A core facility may obtain samples and perform assays on them for authorized users of the core if each user submits an Assurance form and a Statement of Research Intent form. A separate Statement of Research Intent form must be submitted for each research project. The core facility may redistribute a portion of the biomaterial or derivatives (e.g., PCR products, or RNA) to authorized users. The core facility may not redistribute the materials or their derivatives to another core facility. The overriding concerns are a) that the sample integrity be preserved and b) that it be possible to report the research being performed to the Community Advisory Group in the donor community, as required by the informed consent form under which the samples were originally collected (see link). The core facility should send an annual report of uses of the materials to the NHGRI Repository.
3. Distribution of aliquots or derivatives of samples for use as reference material - An organization purchases a sample and describes in the Statement of Research Intent that the sample will be distributed, either with or without modification, for use as reference materials. The Statement of Research Intent may not be able to specify the laboratories that will receive the materials. The Coriell Cell Repository Review Board will decide this type of request on a case-by-case basis with the advice of the NHGRI Repository’s Project Officer. Samples that are distributed must be accompanied by a disclaimer of the Repository’s responsibility regarding safety and quality. Furthermore, residual materials must either be returned to the Principal Investigator from which the sample was obtained or be destroyed. Samples and their derivatives may not be transferred to a third party.
Prohibited uses:
To contact the CORIELL CELL REPOSITORIES:
Write: 403 Haddon Avenue; Camden, New Jersey 08103 USA
Call: 800-752-3805 in the United States; 856-757-4848 from other countries
E-mail: customerservice@coriell.org
