Human samples policy

Research using human samples, such as tissue, blood and saliva.

Policy statement

CCS is committed to ensuring that high quality bio‐specimens are used in research that it funds, as these yield high, reproducible quality data.

It is the responsibility of the Principal Investigator to ensure that appropriate evidence that the PI has registered/enrolled for bio-specimen collection with a quality assurance program is submitted to the CCS at the time of funding. This applies equally to all prospective (new) bio-specimens used in the CCS-funded research that will be collected and/or all retrospective (old) bio-specimens used in the CCS-funded research that have previously been collected and will come from a biobank(s).

There are a number of internationally recognized programs that provide assurance of a known standard and level of quality for biospecimens. These programs include those available from the Canadian Tissue Repository Network (CTRNet) and programs such as CAP, ISO or CLIA (learn more). Participation in external quality assurance programs will be considered eligible grant expenses.

Submission of documentation for successful grants: Please be advised that it is the applicant’s responsibility to ensure that all necessary documentation are provided to the CCS. Failure to provide complete and valid documentation will result in all grant funds being encumbered pending receipt of the required documentation and may eventually lead to cancellation of the grant.

Last modified on: December 14, 2018