Criteria for the use of existing biological samples from health studies for HBM analysis

In health surveys, especially in health examination surveys (HES), biological samples are commonly collected and often also stored for future use. This provides a possibility to extend the health surveys also to HBM if underlying criteria for the sample collection and supporting information is met.

This document will provide a short overview of what is known about availability of stored samples in national HESs in Europe, what are the key criteria for samples when analysing the HBM4EU 1st priority chemicals, and what are the criteria for the use of stored biological samples from health studies for HBM analysis