COVID-19 antibodies in health-care workers
What is the COVID-19 antibody study?
Our research team is inviting health-care providers working during the COVID-19 pandemic to participate in a research study.
The purpose of this study is to test the blood of health-care workers for antibodies against COVID-19 at the start of the study and then again 6 weeks and 12 weeks later. We hope this will give us a better understanding of how the pandemic is progressing and evolving over time among health-care workers. Participation in any research study is voluntary; there is absolutely no requirement to participate.
Study details
The study will run over a three-month period and is meant to begin as soon as possible. There will be three 15-minute meetings that you will schedule, at times that are convenient for you. The surveys will be sent to you and can be done at your leisure, this process will take approximately 5 to 10 minutes per survey.
- You will have blood work done at each of your study appointment visits
- You will also have questionnaires sent via email
Risk of blood draws:
When we draw your blood, there is a small risk of infection, bleeding, or bruising.
Privacy and confidentiality risk:
Even though the risk of identifying you from the study data is very small, it can never be completely eliminated. Despite protections being in place, there is a risk of unintentional release of information.
Inconvenience of time:
There is an inconvenience of time. Each study visit will take about 15 minutes for a total of 45 minutes in person. There will be additional time spent filling out questionnaires, the average time spent on these questionnaires cumulatively is approximately 45 minutes, these questionnaires can be done remotely at your convenience.
There are no direct benefits to you. The purpose of this study is to increase our knowledge of the antibodies related to COVID-19 and how exposure impacts these antibodies.
Yes, you have the option to receive your results, however keep in mind that we are unable to interpret the results at this time. We anticipate that results will be available between 6 months to a year.
You can choose to leave at any point of the study. Let your study staff know and there will be no questions asked.
No, there will be no impact to your employment, nor will any managers know of your participation or results.
We do not anticipate any costs since we hope to schedule appointments at a time when you are already at the hospital.
Your site and the study staff at SickKids will have access to the de-identified samples and information. No identifying information will be shared with anyone but your site specific study staff. Nor will your employer have access to the samples or study data.
We will respect your privacy at all times. No information about you will be given to anyone or be published without your permission, unless the law requires us to do this. All information shared will not be identifiable.
Study timeline
Initial meeting with research coordinator to review the consent
Meet at scheduled time for appointment for blood work, complete questionnaire at your convenience via computer or phone.
Weekly “check in” emails to track if you are symptomatic or not.
Meet at scheduled appointment for blood work, complete questionnaire at your convenience via computer or phone.
Weekly “check-in” emails to track if you are symptomatic or not.
Meet at scheduled appointment for blood work, complete questionnaire at your convenience via computer or phone.