Broad consent implies storage and future use for future unspecified research, subject to restrictions.

• A. True
• B. False
• C. Only for non-identifiable data
• D. Not allowed in TCPS2

Answer: (A)

Broad consent lets participants agree to store their data or biospecimens for future research projects that aren’t specifically described at the time of consent, as long as there are restrictions in place. In TCPS2, this is allowed because it recognizes the practical need to reuse materials to answer new scientific questions, while still protecting participants. The consent describes what kinds of future research may be done, who may access the data or samples, how privacy and confidentiality will be protected, and how the research will be governed—often with ethics board oversight and clear options for withdrawal or re-identification controls. This framework ensures that future uses stay within the boundaries that participants were told about and that their rights and welfare are respected.

So the statement is true: broad consent involves storage and future, unspecified research use, subject to the specified restrictions and safeguards. It’s not limited to non-identifiable data, and it’s not prohibited in TCPS2.