Investigator a conducts research on emphysema using biospecimens from human subjects. the consent form indicates that the research will focus exclusively on emphysema. investigator b wishes to use the biospecimens for research on lung cancer. can investigator b use the specimens for cancer research without re-consent if the specimens are de-identified?
a. no, the original research subjects must be re-consented for the cancer research.
b. yes, because research with biospecimens is minimal risk.
c. yes, if the biospecimens are de-identified then the research is no longer considered human subjects research.
d. no, because it would be unethical to conduct research that is not consistent with the consent form the subjects originally signed.