Ethics and Privacy

CTRNet takes seriously its obligations to ensure that the highest ethical standards are promoted and observed in its operation. CTRNet and its member banks are governed by Research Ethics Boards, provincial privacy laws, and federal guidelines. Each member bank ensures that the protocols, guidelines and laws are strictly followed.

CTRNet staff and its member banks staff, board members and business partners sign confidentiality agreements and are trained to follow proper procedures when dealing with identifying information. Patient identity or other identifying information cannot be provided to investigators assessing the resources of the member banks.

All research is subject to an ethics review that must be approved by the appropriate ethics review body before the research may begin.

These practices are in place to ensure the confidentiality of donor medical information and to ensure that research programs are conducted according to acceptable ethical practices.