Frequently Asked Questions

Currently, DIRECT cannot give out results of tests to participants. There are many reasons for this:
  1. Many of the samples are frozen and stored before being analysed and therefore results would not be available for many months after sample collection
  2. Many of the assays are being performed in research labs rather than hospital labs. These labs lack the accreditation required for processing of clinical samples.
  3. We do not want to give out sample results which might affect the behaviour of participants. For example if a participant finds out that they have serological evidence of immunity to COVID-19 then it may affect how judicious they are with regards to public health and occupational health measures in place to prevent the spread of COVID-19 (e.g. mask wearing, social distancing etc). This may have implications for the protection of our participants against COVID-19 and also, given the longitudinal nature of the study, may impact upon results.

Yes. There are no treatments/medications administered to participants as part of DIRECT that might affect participation in other trials. In those participating in other studies that are run from the research space at LRI we can offer the opportunity for collecting both sets of research samples at the same time.

Most of the appointments available for collecting blood samples will be at the research space at the LRI, however, we understand that it is difficult for some staff who work at other UHL sites to come to the LRI during working hours. In view of this, we will run some phlebotomy clinics at the Glenfield and General hospital sites. Please let us know when you are contacted for booking your appointment that you are unable to attend an appointment at the LRI and we will add your name to a list of participants that we will contact when we have a date for a clinic at your chosen UHL site.
Contact
Useful links
Funders

This study is supported by a grant to the University of Leicester from the MRC-UK Research and Innovation, and National Institute for Health Research (NIHR) rapid response panel to tackle COVID-19 and by core funding provided by NIHR Leicester Biomedical Research Centre - a partnership between the University of Leicester and University Hospitals of Leicester NHS Trust.

Website © 2021 The UK-REACH Team