Data mining and biological sample exportation from South Africa : a new wave of bioexploitation under the guise of clinical care?
Date
2016
Authors
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
Health & Medical Publishing Group
Abstract
Discovery Health, one of the leading healthcare funders in South Africa (SA), will offer genetic testing to its members for USD250 (approximately ZAR3 400) per test from 2016. On the surface, this appears to be innovative and futuristic. However, a deeper look at this announcement reveals considerable problems in the exportation of biological samples and data out of SA, and brings into sharp focus the lack of protection in place for potential donors. In return for a reduced-cost genetic test, which will nevertheless be billed to a member’s savings plan, data from the patient’s results, and probably the sample itself, will be sent to the USA for storage, research purposes and possible commercial use, with no further benefit for the patient. This development has demonstrated the need for more stringent protection of the movement of biological samples and data out of SA, particularly with reference to consenting procedures, material transfer agreements, and the export of biological data themselves.
Description
CITATION: Staunton, C. & Moodley, K. 2016. Data mining and biological sample exportation from South Africa : a new wave of bioexploitation under the guise of clinical care?. South African Medical Journal, 106(2):136-138, doi:10.7196/SAMJ.2016.v106i2.10248.
The original publication is available at http://www.samj.org.za
The original publication is available at http://www.samj.org.za
Keywords
Biological sample exportation, Biomedical ethics -- South Africa, Biological specimens -- Law and legislation -- South Africa, Biological specimens -- Exploitation -- South Africa, Biobanks -- Law and legislation -- South Africa, Human chromosome abnormalities -- Diagnosis -- South Africa
Citation
Staunton, C. & Moodley, K. 2016. Data mining and biological sample exportation from South Africa : a new wave of bioexploitation under the guise of clinical care?. South African Medical Journal, 106(2):136-138, doi:10.7196/SAMJ.2016.v106i2.10248