Withdrawal of consent for use of your biological material in research
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Anyone can choose to opt out of having their biological material used in research. This applies to biological samples collected as part of routine care in the health and care services, such as blood or tissue samples.You can opt out easily by completing a registration form.
Why is biological material used for research?
Researchers sometimes use biological material collected during routine care in research projects.
The aim is often to:
- improve medical treatment
- develop better diagnostic tools
- provide better healthcare services
Strict rules apply to research
Research on human biological material is regulated by the Health Research Act. As a general rule, research projects cannot start unless participants:
- have received information
- have given their consent
All research must be approved in advance by a Regional Committee for Medical and Health Research Ethics (REK).
Exceptions to consent
In some cases, REK may approve the use of biological material without consent. This only applies if:
- the research is of significant public benefit
- participants’ welfare and integrity are safeguarded
Your rights
Even if a project is approved without consent, you still have the right to opt out.
If you are registered
- you will be removed from any research sample
- your biological material cannot be used in such projects
How to opt out
Online
Log in using an electronic ID and complete the digital form (in Norwegian).
By post
If you cannot or prefer not to use the online solution, you can complete a paper form and send it to:
Register for Biological Research Reservation, Norwegian Institute of Public Health, P.O. Box 973 Sentrum, 5808 Bergen, Norway
Check your registration
You can contact us by email if you want confirmation that you are registered or need information about your status.
Email: biologiskforskningsreservasjon@fhi.no.
Please do not send sensitive or confidential information by email.
Withdrawal (removing your reservation)
If you change your mind, contact us by email and we will help you remove your registration.
What is not covered by the reservation
Even if you opt out, you may still be asked to take part in research projects where you actively give consent.
Your reservation only applies to research that does not require consent.
Special rules apply to certain types of biological material, including:
- blood donations
- eggs and sperm used in assisted reproduction
- organs for transplantation
About the register
The register was established in 2009 following the Health Research Act. It is an electronic register managed by the Norwegian Institute of Public Health.
Privacy and information security
We take your privacy seriously.
The register is subject to strict requirements for data protection and information security.
Only authorised personnel have access to the data.
Contact us
If you have questions, please contact us by email: biologiskforskningsreservasjon@fhi.no.
Please do not send sensitive or confidential information by email.