- What medical tests will you do?
You will be given a simple physical examination. We will measure your height whilst you are standing and sitting, your weight, your waist and hips. We will also work out your body mass index, (based on height and weight). Your percentage of body fat will also be estimated by standing on a small machine in bare feet. We will take your blood pressure. We will test your lung function by asking you to blow into a machine and your muscle strength by assessing your hand grip. You will undergo some eye measurements and a short fitness test. You will also be asked to provide us with a blood, saliva and urine sample.
- Why are there so many tests?
These tests provide important information about your current health.
- Will the tests provide me with any physical discomfort?
All of the tests with the exception of the blood taking are non-invasive and therefore will not provide you with any discomfort. All our staff are experienced in taking blood and therefore any discomfort will be kept to the absolute minimum.
- Do I have to have ALL the tests?
No. If there is a test you are unsure about, please discuss it with the clinic staff at the assessment centre. If you are unsure, we can get a medical person to ring you back to give you more information before you make your decision. You do not have to do anything you are uncomfortable with. However, we do need a blood sample. If you are not happy about providing one, we will, unfortunately, be unable to accept you as a study participant.
- I don't like having blood taken. Can I take part, but not give a blood sample?
Our research does require a blood sample from each participant. Our staff are very experienced in taking blood and any discomfort should be minimal. If you are certain that you don't want a blood sample taken, we will, unfortunately, be unable to accept you as a study participant.
- I don't mind giving a blood sample, but my local doctor/nurse always has a problem in finding a vein. What if your nurse can't do this?
Our staff are very experienced in taking blood and are used to dealing with people with difficult veins. Our research is only complete when we have full information about the participants so we need to have a blood sample.
- How much blood will you take?
Around 40-50 mls, which is about 3-tablespoons full. This will be put into five different small tubes, because each will be stored and tested separately for measuring different things in future research.
- Why do you need so much?
This is not much more than the amount that your GP or nurse would take when doing a batch of routine blood tests. We need to use five different small tubes because each will be stored and tested separately for measuring different things in future research.
- Do I need to fast before my appointment?
No. There is no need not to eat or drink anything before your visit (we simply ask you to tell us during the appointment the time since you last ate or drank anything, except water).
- Can a member of my family come with me? Will they be able to stay with me while I am being assessed?
Yes, if you would like them to, but you may want to have privacy when you do the questionnaire as some of the questions are very personal.
- Will you screen me for diabetes/breast/prostate/bowel cancer?
No, we do not carry out any kind of health screening. If you are worried about any of these conditions, you should see your own GP to discuss them.
- I am uncomfortable about removing my clothes. Can I still take part?
For some of the measurements we will need you to be in bare feet. Also we will request that you roll up your sleeve so that we can take your blood pressure. For the waist and hip measurement you will not have to remove any clothing; however, it will be necessary to position the tape close to your body in order to obtain an accurate measurement. If any of these cause you a problem, you can simply ask us not to do those particular tests.
- I want to be examined by someone of the same sex. Can this be arranged?
We will do our best to accommodate you, but we cannot guarantee this. We will not ask you to undergo any tests that make you feel uncomfortable.
- I always have difficulty in giving a urine sample when I attend clinic. Can I produce a sample at home and bring it with me?
No, we need to take the sample when you arrive because all samples must be timed and collected in special containers. If you have difficulty in producing a sample, we will offer you a drink of water to see if that helps, but if you are still unsuccessful you shouldn't worry.
- I have a permanent catheter. Will you take a urine sample?
Yes, if you are willing.
- Will I see a doctor?
No, the assessment will be supervised by a senior nurse.
- What sort of questions will you ask?
We are asking questions relating to your lifestyle, along with questions relating to your mood, psychological well-being and memory, but if any of the questions make you feel uncomfortable you can simply skip them.
- Do I have to answer all the questions?
No, you don't. If there is a question or questions you are not comfortable about answering you can easily skip it. Obviously the more answers you can give us, the more useful your information will be.
- How do you ask the questions?
You will read the majority of the questions on a computer screen, and respond by touching on the screen for the answer that you wish to give. (This allows you to answer all of the questions privately). You will then be asked a few further questions by one of the nurses
- I will be having my period. Can I still attend?
Yes you can. You will still be asked to provide a urine sample. However, if you feel uncomfortable about this, just don't provide a urine sample or we can change your appointment for a more convenient date.
- I am pregnant. Can I still take part?
Yes you can, but please let the clinic staff know at the beginning of your visit and we won't ask you to undergo one or two of the physical measurements.
- How often will I have to attend?
The initial assessment will involve one visit only. However, at the time of the visit, we will ask your permission to contact you again in the future to re-invite you for another visit. You are, of course, free to accept or decline as you prefer.
- I'd like to take part but I can't travel. Will you come to my house to do the assessment?
Unfortunately we can't visit you at home because there is a large amount of equipment involved in the physical measurements. However, if you are disabled and would be able to travel in a taxi, we will, reimburse your taxi fare if this would be helpful to you. Please remember to ask your taxi driver for a receipt. We will ask you to complete a participant expense claim form which can be picked up at the clinic. We will ask you to attach all original travel receipts for the round trip made for your UK Biobank's appointment and return the it to the address stated on the form. You will be reimbursed by cheque or postal order in about 1-2 weeks.
- Will I have to wait or will you start on time?
Your appointments are organised so that waiting times are kept to a minimum and we will do everything possible to ensure we meet your appointment time.
- How long will the clinic visit take?
We expect your visit to take between 2-3 hours, but in planning your visit you should be aware that some people require longer. Please take into account the time it takes getting to and from your car (if you drive), if you are buying a parking ticket.
- Why do you want my blood?
Your blood sample will provide researchers with important information to better understand and treat disease. Clearly, at this time, it is not possible to be specific about all of the tests that researchers might undertake in the future
