Research Ethics Program
Canadian Blood Services and its independent Research Ethics Board (REB) review all studies involving human participants conducted by or on behalf of Canadian Blood Services, including studies involving personal information (data) or biologic materials (products) collected by Canadian Blood Services.
Investigators must submit an application to have their studies approved. The review process includes the following steps:
- Step 1: Approval by Canadian Blood Services.
- Step 2: Approval by Canadian Blood Services REB, if required. The REB has three scheduled meetings per year (in early June, October, and March). Additional reviews can be organized throughout the year, as needed.
- Step 3: Execution of an agreement between Canadian Blood Services and the Principal Investigator/Organization, if required.
The decision to approve a study depends on the information provided in the application. Investigators must share any new knowledge that changes this information with Canadian Blood Services through an amendment. Investigators must also inform Canadian Blood Services of incidental findings and privacy breaches.
WHAT WOULD YOU LIKE TO DO?
Submit a new application
Investigators must complete one Part A and one or more Part B, depending on the nature of the application. Review the Application Guidelines and the Application Forms for details. Contact CBSREB@blood.ca for assistance.
- Application Guidelines (PDF)
- Guidance in determining if a study is research or quality improvement/assurance (PDF)
Application Forms
- Part A: General Information (DOCX)
- Part B1: Requesting Canadian Blood Services Cord Blood for Research (DOCX)
- Part B2: Requesting Canadian Blood Services Blood for Research (DOCX)
- Part B3: Requesting Canadian Blood Services Data for Research (DOCX)
- Part B4: Other Studies Pertaining to Canadian Blood Services (DOCX)
Amend an approved application
Investigators are required to notify Canadian Blood Services of any modifications to their approved studies. Modifications must first be approved by Canadian Blood Services and its independent REB, if required, before changes can be implemented unless subject safety is at risk. Modifications include, but are not limited to, changes to Principal Investigator, co-Investigator(s), or primary contact.
- Amendment Form (.docx)
Renew an approved application
Canadian Blood Services approvals are granted for a period of one year and must be renewed on an annual basis. A maximum of four renewals may be granted (i.e., for an overall study period of five years).
- Renewal Form (.docx)
Report an adverse event or incidental finding
Investigators are required to immediately report to Canadian Blood Services all serious adverse events occurring to a research participant enrolled in their studies. Incidental findings and minor adverse events must be reported within seven days.
- Adverse Event Report (.docx)
Report a privacy breach
Investigators are required to immediately (or within 24 hours) report to Canadian Blood Services’ Privacy Office any breach of a research participant’s confidential information.
Contact Canadian Blood Services’ Privacy Office:
- E-mail: privacy@blood.ca
- Tel: 613-739-2483 or toll free at 1-877-262-9191
Close an approved study
Investigators are required to report the termination of their studies to Canadian Blood Services.
- Closure Form (.docx)
For general enquiries about the Research Ethics Program and Research Ethics Board at Canadian Blood Services, please contact us at: CBSREB@blood.ca