NIH Human Fetal Tissue Review

All protocols using HFT require ancillary review. This review is necessary for new experiments involving HFT, defined as tissue or cells obtained from a dead human embryo or fetus after a spontaneous or induced abortion, or after a stillbirth. The aquisition, storage, or research using HFT from elective abortions in the Intramural Research Program is prohibited.

HFT from elective abortions is defined as research involving the study, analysis, or use of primary HFT, cells, and derivatives, and human fetal primary cell cultures obtained from elective abortions.

The HFT ancillary review ensures that HFT is used only when scientifically justifiable.

As the Principal Investigator (PI), you must provide the following on the ancillary review form:

• The research goals and anticipated benefits of the research
• Affirmation that HFT was not acquired for "valuable consideration"
• Detailed vendor information if acquired from a commercial source
• Material Transfer Agreement (MTA) information if the HFT was acquired through an agreement

The ancillary review must be reviewed and "approved" by the HFT Review Committee before the IRBO will act on the associated IRB protocol. For details about submission to the HFT Review Committee, see the policy link below.