A student is planning an investigation into how aerobic training affects blood lactate levels, requiring finger-prick blood samples at rest, during exercise, and during recovery. Evaluate the ethical considerations that should be addressed in this investigation. (6 marks)
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Sample Answer
- The invasive nature of blood sampling requires comprehensive informed consent that explicitly details the frequency, method, and potential discomfort of finger-prick procedures.
- Participants must be screened for bleeding disorders, immunocompromised conditions, or needle phobias that would make blood sampling either physically or psychologically harmful.
- The benefits of collecting direct blood lactate data must be weighed against the potential pain and anxiety caused by repeated finger-prick sampling during an aerobic session.
- Proper training of those performing the sampling is an ethical requirement to minimise pain and prevent complications such as infection or excessive bleeding.
- Appropriate biohazard procedures for handling blood samples must be strictly followed to protect both participants and researchers from potential contamination risks.
- Participants’ right to withdraw must be emphasised, particularly during the actual sampling procedures if they experience more discomfort than anticipated.
- A less invasive alternative method should be available for participants who consent to the investigation but experience excessive discomfort during initial blood sampling.
- Privacy during blood collection and confidentiality of results are especially important with biological samples, requiring strict protocols for handling, storing, and eventually disposing of all blood-related materials.
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Sample Answer
- The invasive nature of blood sampling requires comprehensive informed consent that explicitly details the frequency, method, and potential discomfort of finger-prick procedures.
- Participants must be screened for bleeding disorders, immunocompromised conditions, or needle phobias that would make blood sampling either physically or psychologically harmful.
- The benefits of collecting direct blood lactate data must be weighed against the potential pain and anxiety caused by repeated finger-prick sampling during an aerobic session.
- Proper training of those performing the sampling is an ethical requirement to minimise pain and prevent complications such as infection or excessive bleeding.
- Appropriate biohazard procedures for handling blood samples must be strictly followed to protect both participants and researchers from potential contamination risks.
- Participants’ right to withdraw must be emphasised, particularly during the actual sampling procedures if they experience more discomfort than anticipated.
- A less invasive alternative method should be available for participants who consent to the investigation but experience excessive discomfort during initial blood sampling.
- Privacy during blood collection and confidentiality of results are especially important with biological samples, requiring strict protocols for handling, storing, and eventually disposing of all blood-related materials.