Use of human tissue in research / teaching

Examples of stored human tissues

• Excess tissue collected during surgery
• Tissue discarded after surgery
• Tissue removed at autopsy
• Tissue collected for 'one-off' research projects
• Tissue stored in 'tissue banks'
• Blood samples e.g. from a blood bank or Health Service Provider
• Adult, fetal or reproductive tissue
• Human stem cells: embryonic and non-embryonic stem cells
• Other human fluids

Monash University staff and students must obtain the approval from the Monash University Human Research Ethics Committee (MUHREC) even if you have also obtained approval from another HREC.  This is due to the significant legal and non-legal compliance obligations surrounding this research.

NOTE
If you are deriving human stem cell lines, please use Form 1 (697 kb).

Relevant legislation

The use of human tissues (not foetal tissue, sperm, ova) is regulated by the Human Tissue Act 1982 (Vict).

Relevant ethical guidelines

• National Statement on Ethical Conduct in Research Involving Humans (NHMRC) 1999 Specifically Chapter 15
• The Human Research Ethics Handbook (NHMRC) 2001 contains additional commentary.
• Ethical Guidelines on the Use of Assisted Reproductive Technology in Clinical Practice and Research (NHMRC) 2004
• Human Tissue Act 1982 (Vic) (312 kb)

Other relevant references

• Recommendations for the donation of cadaveric organs and tissues for transplantation (NHMRC)
• Organs Retained at Autopsy - Ethical and Practical Issues
• Ethical Aspects of Organ and Tissue Donation - Advice for Health Professionals and Consumers