IRB: Ethics & Human Research

International Perspectives on the Collection, Storage, and Testing of Human Biospecimens in HIV Research

To explore how international communities view the collection, storage, and testing of human biospecimens we held a structured discussion on the topic at the annual meeting of a global HIV prevention research network. Approximately 90 network members participated, including community advisory board members, community educators, and research team members from Africa, Asia, and the Americas. Specific concerns and possible solutions were identified with regard to sensitivity to local culture, context, and history, transparency, trust, international biorepositories, and informed consent. These discussions clearly showed that increased community consultation and host country collaboration are needed to guide the collection, storage, and testing of human biologic material in international research.

Key words/concepts: human biospecimens, biorepositories, international research, HIV

Kathleen M. MacQueen and Patty Alleman, “International Perspectices on the Collection, Storage, and Testing of Human Biospecimens in HIV Research,” IRB: Ethics & Human Research 30, no. 4 (2008): 9-14.