I am conducting a study to obtain new specimens for my study, but am not sure what I need to do in order to collect specimens. Can I just take specimens from my patients when I see them in clinic? Can I just analyze my current specimens in my lab?

Research cannot be conducted without the appropriate approvals. Be sure to work with your Institution and your IRB to determine what steps need to occur prior to implementation of your study. The DC CFAR has a template consent for use that can be customized for your study. Contact CFARinDCgmail [dot] com (CFARinDC[at]gmail[dot]com) for more information. Please remember that no matter where you obtain your specimens, you should be aware of IRB requirements for all of your research.