BACKGROUND: Although much has been published for the development of cell lines, these were lab based and developed for scientific technical staff. OBJECTIVE OF REVIEW: We present a simple and successful protocol for the development of cell lines and tissue harvesting for the clinical scientist. We also discuss the ethical implications of tissue retention and present a generic consent form. CONCLUSION: The advantages of hospital-based cell line creation are numerous. We can be more certain that cell lines are developed from the particular tissues of interest and accurate anatomical and appropriate clinico-pathological control tissues are also harvested. We can also be certain of less cell line cross contamination.