1. How should the CHTN be acknowledged in publications and patents?

The CHTN's Agreement for Use of Tissue states that investigators agree to acknowledge the contributions of the Cooperative Human Tissue Network in all publications resulting from the use of these tissues. The CHTN’s Research Resource Identifier (RRID) is SCR_004446. The following is one suggestion on how to acknowledge the CHTN:

Tissue samples were provided by the NCI Cooperative Human Tissue Network (CHTN). Other investigators may have received specimens from the same tissue specimens.

2. Does the CHTN Eastern Division have an Research Resource Identifier (RRID) number?

Yes. The CHTN has an RRID number (SCR_004446), that can be used if you receive samples from multiple CHTN divisions.

However, if you are only receiving samples from the CHTN Eastern Division, you can also use the Eastern Division number (SC_022407).

3. Am I financially obligated to accept tissues or fluids collected for my protocol?

Yes, all active CHTN investigators with open/active requests are responsible for all fees associated with any biospecimens procured for them until the request is inactivated by the investigator. This includes biospecimens that are refused without appropriate justification, especially biospecimens specifically collected to fill individual request protocols, and blood even if the tissue is necrotic or unavailable. Because the CHTN is a prospective procurement program, resources are allocated for the collection of biospecimens requested by investigators. Therefore, the CHTN expects investigators to accept the biospecimens that were collected on their behalf to fulfill their active protocols. Failure to accept procured samples may result in penalties to the principal investigator or his/her institution, including but not limited to, loss of access to future services from the CHTN.

4. Are Specimens screened or tested prior to distribution?

No, the CHTN does not perform clinical tests on tissue (e.g. for the presence of infective agents such as hepatitis). While the CHTN attempts to avoid providing tissues that are contaminated with highly infectious agents such as hepatitis and HIV, all tissues should be handled as if potentially infectious. Recipients must also agree not to perform such tests on the tissues supplied by the CHTN. If an institution tests samples or byproducts for infectious diseases, the CHTN does not accept any information regarding the results of these tests.

5. Can I specify the percentage of tumor in a sample?

No, an investigator cannot specify the percentage of tumor in a specimen, but the CHTN guarantees at least 10% tumor in a tumor specimen. A specimen can be enriched by macrodissection for an additional charge. Please contact your primary division to discuss this service in further detail.

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