Consent and how to withdraw consent

It is voluntary to participate in HUNT. Anyone who has participated has received information about the studies and have agreed that the data collected is used in research. The information and samples you have provided is kept indefinitely. In the future it can be used in projects that are not yet scheduled, provided it is in accordance with laws and regulations.

All research projects using HUNT material is approved by the Regional Committees for Medical and Health Research Ethics (REC).

Participants may at any time withdraw their consent, and their data and samples will be destroyed. 

All consent forms can be viewed here (in Norwegian), under "Informasjonsskriv og samtykkeerklæringer".

If you wish to withdraw your consent, please contact us. 

Data handling and de-identification

All data and samples from the HUNT studies are stored at HUNT Research Centre, with strict access rules. All data and blood samples used in studies is de-identified. That means that name, birth date and social security number is deleted, so the data can never be linked to any individual. Outsiders, such as employers, insurance companies and so on, will never get access to information that can be linked to individuals.

Genetic research

Genetic research in HUNT context is the same as research on heredity. Through genetic research we study the similarities and differences among individuals to see if it is the result of genes and/or environmental factors.

Disease is caused by an interaction between genetic (hereditary) and environmental factors. It is important to understand this interaction in order to prevent disease in a more efficient manner. Data from HUNT, and especially the stored blood samples, are among the main sources we have to obtain such knowledge.

This knowledge may in turn contribute to:

- better opportunity to give a precise diagnosis

- better opportunity to prevent and treat disease

- better opportunity to give more precise treatment to the individual patient, so it becomes more efficient and produces fewer side effects