Case 1: Laboratory data
Welcome to a new series from the Guidance Function, Cases!
Cases are examples of questions and inquiries we receive in the Guidance Function, which we would like to share for inspiration.
Where can lab data be located? And how does one gain access?
A researcher wanted to link previously connected data to biochemical analysis data, but didn’t know how to locate data or get access?
One option is to collect data from patient medical records. Approval for use of patient medical records in research projects must, in most cases, be granted by the Regional Council in the region the researcher is connected to, unless patient consent has been obtained.
But, if the study population is too large, data collection from patient medical records is not appropriate. In this case, it is better to obtain data through the Danish Health Registers.
Data from clinical biochemistry and clinical immunology laboratories are available through the Register of Laboratory Results for Research, which is made available by the Danish Health Data Authority. The Register of Laboratory Results for Research contains data of test results from the large clinical biochemistry and clinical immunology laboratories in Denmark, and relevant data is available for use in research projects. However, as a researcher, it is important to be aware that the time period covered by the Register of Laboratory Results for Research varies across regions.
Please see the Register of Laboratory Results for Research, at the Danish Health Data Authority website (in Danish) for more information: https://sundhedsdatastyrelsen.dk/da/registre-og-services/om-de-nationale-sundhedsregistre/doedsaarsager-og-biologisk-materiale/laboratoriedatabasen
In this particular case, we supported the researcher with contact information the different regional departments responsible for lab data available. In order to get access to data, an application for use of patient medical records in a research project must be approved by the Regional Council. In addition to this, we outlined the process for accessing data and underlined any consideration points.
Feel free to contact us if you need guidance in your research project. Our services are completely free.
The Guidance function offer first level support for Danish and international researchers in need of help to navigate the requirements and processes surrounding research projects
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