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SAMPLE COLLECTION

At-home biospecimen sample collection, while not required, is an important and novel part of our study that will help us see how COVID may affect immune system response & the gut microbiome. To do this, our microbiology team processes and analyses stool & blood samples to compare bacteria, proteins & other biological markers.

sample lifecycle 2

BEHIND THE SAMPLES: THE SCOOP ON POOP (...& BLOOD)

We are interested in investigating how the presence or absence of COVID-19 infection may impact immune system response and changes to the gut microbiome. To do this, we are asking participants who meet certain eligibility criteria to collect two small samples of blood and stool each. All materials will be provided so that collection can take place at home.

 

Below is a brief outline of what this process will look like.

  1. If eligible, our research team will contact you to confirm some study-related information and briefly describe the sample collection process.
  2. We will then notify you once your collection kit has been shipped.
  3. Once received, we ask that you follow these instructions included in the sample collection kit to safely and accurately collect your samples.
    1. Briefly, the collection process will include:
      1. Collecting two small stool samples (~1 teaspoon each) by using a toilet hat and two small swabs/collection tube scoops.
      2. Collecting two small blood samples (500-600µL, or one tenth of a teaspoon each) by using at-home collection devices described here.
      3. Packaging collected samples as described in the instructions and dropping the completed kit off at your nearest FedEx location.
  4. Once our research team has received your completed kit, an electronic gift card will be sent to you as a token of our appreciation.

 

We understand that participating in biospecimen sample collection may require additional consideration. While this component is critical to our study, please know that any level of participation is immensely valuable to our research efforts.

 

kerry and kristen

Want more information? Let’s chat!

CoVHORT-GI@arizona.edu | (520) 626 - 1678

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