We invite you to take part in a research project, funded by the Scottish National Blood Transfusion Service (SNBTS). To help you to understand what we hope to find out we are providing you with the following information to help you decide whether to participate. Please take the time to read this information and ask any questions you wish before deciding whether to sign the consent form.
Why am I being asked to take part in this study?
When you donate blood it is immediately tested for a range of pathogens, as explained in the standard Donor information leaflet. This ensures that any blood given to people who require it is as safe as possible. This safety is maintained by research into new viruses or other pathogens that may appear in the general population. Many of these agents are normally harmless to healthy blood donors like you, but may cause disease in people with weakened immune system. In Scotland we would like to collect a group of typical blood donor samples, like yours. These samples will be stored and used for rapidly surveying the healthy donor population if and when new viruses or other agents are discovered.
Each sample we get will be separated into a number of blood components We would then carefully store the samples and use them in future studies for other, as yet undiscovered viruses to quickly determine whether they are present in the Scottish blood donor population.
What will it involve?
We are asking whether you would consent to donate about 8 mls of blood (one and a half teaspoonful’s) taken on a single occasion at the time of your routine blood donation. Your blood sample will be labelled anonymously with a code number that cannot be traced back to you. The only information that can be linked to the sample will be age, sex, new or repeat donor and first three or four characters of the donor’s postcode. The label with code number will be placed on the perforation-separated lower part of the Consent Form. The anonymous lower part will be kept in the study. Your blood sample will then be sent to our research laboratory based in Edinburgh.
What are the possible disadvantages and risks of taking part?
As the sample is taken as part of your routine blood donation participation in this study will pose no additional risks to you than those associated with giving your donation.
What are the possible benefits of taking part?
Whilst there are no immediate benefits for you by participating in the study you will have helped to ensure that SNBTS can maintain the safety of blood and blood products given to patients within Scotland
What if there is a problem?
If you have any concerns about any aspect of this study, initially speak to your donor nurse who will do their best to answer your questions. Should the nurse be unable to answer your question they will contact one of the research team to obtain an answer for you. If the answer proves unsatisfactory and you remain unhappy and wish to complain formally then you can do this by calling 0345 9090999 or by email to nss.snbtsenquiry@nhs.scot
Who has reviewed the study?
This study has been reviewed and given favourable opinion by, West of Scotland 4, Research Ethics Committee (REC Ref 20/ WS/0068).
What if I change my mind?
Your participation is entirely voluntary and you are free to withdraw from the study at any point up to the time the sample is taken without having to give a reason for withdrawing.
If you would like further information you can speak to:
Doctor / Nurse involved in the study at the Donor Centre.
If you agree to do so, please sign the consent form. You will be given a copy of this information sheet to keep.
Thank you for taking the time to read this information.
Scottish National Blood Transfusion Service
National Microbiology Reference Unit
52 Research Avenue North,
Heriot-Watt Research Park,
Edinburgh EH14 4BE
t: 0131 314 5661; 0131 314 5586
w: scotblood.co.uk
This publication can be made available in large print, braille (English only), audio tape and different languages. Please contact nss.equalitydiversity@nhs.scot for further information.
NATL 311 01
10 June 2020