Wybrane konstytucyjne aspekty funkcjonowania biobanków populacyjnych

Państwo i Prawo 2014, nr 12, s. 54-64.

The latest advances in genetics have led to the creation of population-based biobanks whose functioning involves collection of samples of genetic material and genetic information from a large number of individuals. The genetic information is usually combined with different types of data regarding individual donors, some of which data may be considered sensitive. This article looks at the impact of the special features of genetic information on maintaining an appropriate level of personal data protection. It also examines the issues relating to consent for obtaining genetic material and processing of the genetic information, particularly in relation to regulations on medical research in the Polish legal system. Finally, it analyzes the conflicts of interests that may be generated by the functioning of population-based biobanks.