Future unspecified research
Can data and/or biological samples be collected and stored for a future unspecified research purpose in connection with a study?
Data and/or biological samples collected for a future unspecified research purpose can only be considered for REB approval if the future research will relate to the subject matter of the current study that the data/sample collection is occurring in connection to (e.g. should be related to the specific condition, study intervention, etc. currently under study).
Broad consent, as defined in Section E of TCPS2 (2022), must be obtained prior to collection of the data/samples for future research purposes. Broad consent differs from blanket consent in that it specifies limits on what research can be conducted on the data/samples collected whereas blanket consent is not permitted under TCPS2 (2022).
Please refer to Article 3.13 of the TCPS2 (2022) for guidance on the necessary elements of broad consent.
