When reviewing MREC/LREC research proposals we come across this dilemma regularly for research in A/E and ITU/CCU situations.
The guidance we have worked to is from GMC where consent cannot be given by a relative, but consent may be assumed by the medical practitioner if he/she believes that to do the procedure is in the best interests of the individual, and to obtain informed consent afterwards.
A similar situation, but one which is not going to go away.
-- Never take a no from someone not empowered to give you a yes --
Gary Mascall
Clinical Biochemistry Department
Kidderminster Hospital
Worcestershire Acute Hospitals NHS Trust
Bewdley Road
Kidderminster, Worcs, UK
DY11 6RJ
Tel : 01562 823424 extn 3465
Fax : 01562 513030
email : [log in to unmask]
>>> Dr David G Williams <[log in to unmask]> 01/10/02 14:47:47 >>>
As the sample will have (presumably) been taken in A&E, and will have arrived
at the laboratory by a number of possible routes, and is not signed for on
receipt, the chain of custody is already broken before it arrives.
However, on the occasions that we have supplied samples for forensic analysis
(with informed consent and permission etc) the local police have been
unperturbed by this.
I have to say though that the thought of blood being taken from an unconscious
and probably seriously ill person fills me with foreboding.
> Dear All (UK membership)
>
> As we do not touch drink driving samples, I am concerned that we will get
> samples from unconscious A/E RTA's to store until they regain consciousness
> (and then object). As the new law has only come into being today any advice
> on what we should do would be welcome. I assume it will be a chain of
> custody issue with special collection conditions. If one turns up, what
> should we do with it.
>
> Regards,
>
> David Ricketts
> NMUH London
>
>
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