The introduction of LBC for cervical screening in the UK has enabled research into human papillomavirus as an adjunct to screening. The authors explored women’s views on remnant LBC samples for sexual and reproductive health research. Researchers conducted a pilot study to assess the acceptability of collecting and storing remnant LBC specimens for future sexual and reproductive health research. Researchers recruited women attending a clinic for their routine smear test for the study.
86% consented to the storage and use of their remnant sample of total research women invited to participate. 96% agreed to their selection is linked to reproductive health records. The women interviewed were happy with the research process.
The study concluded that research becomes technically and ethically more complex, the challenge remains to find the right balance between providing sufficient relevant information to ensure informed consent and allay participant’s fears while guarding against the inclusion of excessive detail. LBC was introduced for cervical screening brings a new opportunity to integrate research studies within a national cervical screening program. Results suggest this is acceptable to women.
Reference: https://srh.bmj.com/content/38/1/30
