The irradiation of human volunteer subjects in research

The use of radiation on human volunteer subjects in medical research is discussed in relation to the recommendations of the ICRP and the code of practice drawn up at the University of New South Wales. The need to safeguard the interests of subject, investigator and institution simultaneously presents problems. Difficulties encountered include the wording of the consent form to satisfy lawyers (e.g. totally 'informed' consent may not only deter any subject, it may defeat the purpose of the research), and problems of insurance. Two examples are described, that came before the expert committee in Australia, a) Concerning the shortening of the femur, as part of a study of artificial hip joints b) Measurments needed as to rates of movement of various blood solutes between different compartments of the body, to improve renal dialysis. (U.K.)