consent process

genetic research

The National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) is a program of studies con ducted since the 1960s by the National Center for Health Statistics of the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Its purpose is to obtain infor mation on the health and nutritional status of the U.S. population. The survey involves interviews and physi cal examinations of a nationally representative sample of civilian and noninstitutionalized adults and children. From 1999-2002, and again from 2007-2008, biospec imens (blood, urine, and DNA samples) were collected from NHANES participants. In 2006, we reported on the NHANES experience with obtaining consent for the storage and use of biospecimens for data years 1999 2002.1 In this report, we provide an update on the NHANES experience regarding consent for collecting biospecimens for data years 2007-2008 (DNA samples were not collected from 2003-2006).

Consent for future genetic research: the NHANES experience in 2007-2008.