Why did researchers want DNA samples from Henrrieta's family? Did researchers explain why they wanted DNA samples to the Lacks family? Did family give informed consent for the research done on those samples?
Researchers wanted DNA samples from Henrietta’s immediate family because the cells that were contaminated were all mixed up. Having the cells of Henrietta’s immediate family will show the “genetic markers specific to Henrietta” where they will be able to find the cells that belonged to her (Skloot, 2010, pg. 181). They would use the cells to compare to those of Henrietta’s. By her immediate family they will need to get the cells of her husband and children to compare them to Henriettas cancer cells (HeLa) and then the researchers want to create “a map of Henriettas genes” (Skloot, 2010, pg. 181). Researchers, well Hsu, did give an explanation on why they needed their blood but Day didn't really understand her and she didn't really understand him because of their heavy accent. He believed it was cancer tests and she said that the family was on board and wanted to give the blood to find the genetic markers. Deborah is close to her mothers age where her mother died and she really wanted to do this test to see whether she has the same cancer or not. She wants to be there for her children and doesn't want her children to live the same life as she did. What was happening was that no one was actually testing for cancer and the family didn't know that. The family did not receive informed consent on the research done on the samples, based on a conversation in class.
The family did not receive informed consent from Hsu prior to the blood drawing because it was not a law at the time. According to Skloot, “[consent forms] were in the process of being codified into law when Hsu called Day” (Skloot, 133). Hsu didn’t feel it were necessary for her to give a detailed explanation as to why the blood was being drawn because all they did was draw blood and it did not involve long term research. Deborah went to John Hopkins hospital to get her blood drawn again and figured she should ask McKusick questions about her mother. When Deborah asked about the blood tests, McKusick found a distraction: “McKusick did not explain why he was having someone draw blood from Deborah. Instead he told her about Henrietta’s cells being used for the polio vaccine and genetic research” (Skloot, 136). Not only did the Lackses not receive informed consent, the researchers made an effort to keep them in the dark.
References: Skloot, R. (2010). The immortal life of Henrietta Lacks. New York: Crown.
Researchers wanted DNA samples from Henrietta’s immediate family because the cells that were contaminated were all mixed up. Having the cells of Henrietta’s immediate family will show the “genetic markers specific to Henrietta” where they will be able to find the cells that belonged to her (Skloot, 2010, pg. 181). They would use the cells to compare to those of Henrietta’s. By her immediate family they will need to get the cells of her husband and children to compare them to Henriettas cancer cells (HeLa) and then the researchers want to create “a map of Henriettas genes” (Skloot, 2010, pg. 181). Researchers, well Hsu, did give an explanation on why they needed their blood but Day didn't really understand her and she didn't really understand him because of their heavy accent. He believed it was cancer tests and she said that the family was on board and wanted to give the blood to find the genetic markers. Deborah is close to her mothers age where her mother died and she really wanted to do this test to see whether she has the same cancer or not. She wants to be there for her children and doesn't want her children to live the same life as she did. What was happening was that no one was actually testing for cancer and the family didn't know that. The family did not receive informed consent on the research done on the samples, based on a conversation in class.
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DeleteThe family did not receive informed consent from Hsu prior to the blood drawing because it was not a law at the time. According to Skloot, “[consent forms] were in the process of being codified into law when Hsu called Day” (Skloot, 133). Hsu didn’t feel it were necessary for her to give a detailed explanation as to why the blood was being drawn because all they did was draw blood and it did not involve long term research. Deborah went to John Hopkins hospital to get her blood drawn again and figured she should ask McKusick questions about her mother. When Deborah asked about the blood tests, McKusick found a distraction: “McKusick did not explain why he was having someone draw blood from Deborah. Instead he told her about Henrietta’s cells being used for the polio vaccine and genetic research” (Skloot, 136). Not only did the Lackses not receive informed consent, the researchers made an effort to keep them in the dark.
DeleteReferences:
Skloot, R. (2010). The immortal life of Henrietta Lacks. New York: Crown.