Why are we carrying out this study?
Many studies routinely collect biological samples such as blood and hair. Analysis of these samples can tell researchers a lot about the health of the population. These samples are usually collected by a nurse or at a research clinic. However, for some large studies, where participating households are spread across the country, this is not always possible. Many health researchers are therefore interested in whether participants can collect their own samples and return these to the researchers.
What samples are we collecting for the study?
If you are willing to, we would like you to collect a finger-prick blood spot sample (also known as a dried blood spot sample) and a hair sample following the instructions provided.
As a token of our appreciation for collecting the samples we will send you a £5 voucher for the dried blood spot sample and a £5 voucher for the hair sample once the samples are returned to us.
Who is carrying out the research study?
Researchers at the Institute for Social and Economic Research (ISER) at the University of Essex are running the study Kantar Public and NatCen Social Research will be working with us to conduct fieldwork.
Do I have to take part?
You do not need to collect any samples if you do not wish to but we hope you will agree to them as they are a very important part of this survey. If you are happy to give some types of sample but not others, this is absolutely fine; please indicate this in the enclosed consent form.
What do I have to do if I agree to give a blood spot sample?
This part of the survey involves a small quantity of blood being obtained by a finger prick and collected on a blood spot collection card. This would involve pricking your finger and allowing the blood drops to drip on to the collection paper. We would like you to collect five spots of blood which will then be left to dry. Along with this leaflet, we have sent you a dried blood spot collection kit. This includes everything you need to collect this sample, as well as detailed instructions of how to collect it.
What do I have to do if I agree to give a hair sample?
We would like you to provide a hair sample from close to your scalp keeping the hairs together in a bundle. The sample should come from the back of your head. This little bundle of hair needs to be about 2mm across and ideally at least 3cm long. The ‘hair collection kit’ includes everything you need to collect this sample, as well as detailed instructions of how to collect it and return the samples to us.
As the hair needs to come from the back of your head, it is much easier if members of your household can help each other to collect the hair sample. If you live alone, you can try to collect the sample yourself, or you might want to arrange for a friend or family member to help you.
What will happen to the blood and hair samples I provide?
There are many studies that are moving towards participants collecting their own samples and returning these to the researchers. We are conducting this preliminary study to examine how feasible this would be and to understand any logistical issues which might need to be addressed. We will not be storing any samples you collect. The samples you provide will not be used for any genetic or non-genetic analysis. If you have any questions you can contact us using the information below.
Are there any risks involved in participating?
Some individuals might experience some minor discomfort, slight bruising or bleeding from the blood sampling procedures. However, the effects are minor and should not persist beyond a few days. Some individuals might feel a bit faint during or after blood collection. The instructions suggest you should be sitting down during the blood collection. If at any point you feel uncomfortable please stop the process immediately. If you feel unwell please contact NHS Direct on 111.
What will happen to any information I give?
We will treat the information you give in strict confidence. The results of the study will never include any personal information such as names or addresses. The information collected is used for research purposes only and will be dealt with according to the principles of the Data Protection Act and the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR).
What if I change my mind during the study?
Your participation is entirely voluntary. You don’t have to do any part of the study that you don’t want to. You have the right to withdraw from the study at any time without explanation.
Why can’t a nurse collect my samples?
We wish to assess the feasibility of participants collecting their own samples and test our current protocols. We have provided detailed instructions on our website (www.understandingsociety.ac.uk/hair and www.understandingsociety.ac.uk/blood) which you will be able to follow when collecting the samples.
Any questions?
If you would like to contact us at any point you can email or speak to one of us using the contact details below:
Phone number: 0800 252 853
E-mail: contact@understandingsociety.ac.uk