Frequently Asked Questions

If an IRB uses a standard "fill-in-the-blank" consent format, does the IRB need to review the filled-out form for each study?

Biotech
MedTech
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IRB: General
Clinical: Biopharma
Clinical: MedTech

Yes. A fill-in-the-blank format provides only some standard wording and a framework for organizing the relevant study information. The IRB should review a completed sample form, individualized for each study, to ensure that the consent document, in its entirety, contains all the information in language the subject can understand. The completed sample form should be typed to enhance its readability by the subjects. The form finally approved by the IRB should be an exact copy of the form that will be presented to the research subjects. The IRB should also review the "process" for conducting the consent interviews, i.e., the circumstances under which consent will be obtained, who will obtain consent, and so forth.