ALERT: After an extensive process and the inclusion of feedback from the public comment period, the National Cancer Institute (NCI) is pleased to release the 2011 Best Practices for Biospecimen resources Learn more. One of the most widely recognized and significant roadblocks to progress is cancer research is the lack of standardized, high-quality biospecimens. The National Cancer Institute (NCI) developed the NCI Best Practices for Biospecimen Resources (NCI Best Practices) based on extensive research and expert input into the state of NCI-funded biospecimen resources and the quality of biospecimens used in cancer research. The NCI Best Practices outline the operational, technical, ethical, legal and policy best practices for NCI-supported biospecimen resources. |
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Scope, Applicability, Implementation The NCI Best Practices incorporate key principles that:
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Technical and Operational Best Practices Although the specific mission of a biospecimen resource will define its collection and processing procedures, common principles apply to all biospecimen types. The best practices within this section are based on current, published information and will be revised periodically as new information is generated from ongoing research projects. Learn more |
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Ethical, Legal, and Policy Best Practices In addition to technical considerations relating to the physical quality of a biospecimen, multiple ethical, legal, and policy issues relate to biospecimen collection activities. Key ethical issues include:
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