Workshop 9

Use of surplus blood samples: when is it ethical?

Professor Peter Furness

The new Human Tissue Act is relevant to YOU.

It will make some uses of human tissue a criminal offence, with up to 3 years in jail, unless 'appropriate' consent has been given by the patient.

'Tissue' includes blood. But some other uses are legitimate without any consent. Do you know the difference? Do you know what's 'appropriate' consent? Will you know whether consent has been given for the sample you have in your hand? Do you want to go to jail? Do you think this new law is crazy?

This workshop will explore these questions. With luck, we may even find a few answers.