- What will I get out of attending an appointment?
You will be helping in a research study aimed at improving the health of future generations. We will at the end of the visit give you a report of the results of some of the measurement undertaken - this will include your blood pressure, lung function, body mass index, % body fat, weight and height.
- Will you tell me if you find something wrong with me?
We will tell you if your blood pressure is particularly high or low or if your lung function is significantly reduced.
During the next 20-30 years, samples will gradually be analysed as the Biobank resource becomes available for medical research of all kinds, both in Britain and around the world. As this may be far in the future, and researchers will be analysing anonymised samples, we will be unable to inform you of any findings.
- If you find something wrong with me, will I be referred for treatment?
We will tell you if your blood pressure is particularly high or low or if your lung function is significantly reduced and will recommend that you discuss this with your GP.
During the next 20-30 years, samples will gradually be analysed as the Biobank resource becomes available for medical research of all kinds, both in Britain and around the world. As this may be far in the future, and researchers will be analysing anonymised samples, we will be unable to inform you of any findings.
- What results will you give me?
We will at the end of the visit give you a report of the results of some of the measurement undertaken - this will include your blood pressure, lung function, body mass index, % body fat, weight and height.
If you would prefer not to know these results, your wishes will be respected.
- Will you tell me what genetic information you find about me?
No. I'm sorry but we will not be able to tell individual participants the results of any tests which may be done on their samples in the future. We shall, however, make available for participants the findings from all research projects that use this resource.
- What do you do with the urine samples?
They will be securely stored in our central laboratory in Manchester. They then become part of the Biobank resource which will enable important ethically and scientifically approved research into the causes and treatment of disease. to be conducted in the future. At this time, it is not possible to be specific about all of the tests that researchers might undertake in the future (but, for example, your urine sample will provide important information on your kidney function)
- Will you give me the results of my urine and blood tests?
No. If you have any worries about your health you should discuss these with your own GP, who can arrange any tests that he or she thinks are necessary. During the next 20-30 years, samples will gradually be analysed as the Biobank resource becomes available for medical research of all kinds, both in Britain and around the world. As this may be far in the future, and researchers will be analysing anonymised samples, we will be unable to inform you of any findings
- What do you test the urine sample for?
This can show recent environmental exposures (including through diet) to substances such as pesticides, tobacco smoke or other risk factors. The sample may also be used to look at kidney function.
- Will the urine sample be tested for drugs?
Samples will be used for a wide range of future research. We can't rule out tests for drugs, but any analyses will be undertaken on anonymised samples and any results will be handled in such a way that is not linked back to individuals
- What are you going to do with the information and samples?
The information and samples which you give us will be used for research into the causes and treatment of disease.
- What do you do with the blood samples?
They will be securely stored in our central laboratory in Manchester. They then become part of the UK Biobank resource which will enable important ethically and scientifically approved research into the causes and treatment of disease, to be conducted in the future. At this time, it is not possible to be specific about all of the tests that researchers might undertake in the future
- I object to the use of animals in research/embryonic stem cell research. Can you specify what type of research my samples will be used for?
No, we can't specify which type of research will be conducted on your samples. In setting up UK Biobank we have chosen not to put any restrictions on the methods researchers use. All research projects using Biobank samples will have to be approved by the Ethics and Governance Council, set up to monitor UK Biobank, and by an independent research ethics committee. Our aim is to help in the fight against disease. Although UK Biobank will not be carrying out any tests involving animals, information contained within UK Biobank may be used to develop new drugs. Currently, new drugs have to be tested on animals by law. If you have strong objections to this type of research, we would recommend that you do not take part in UK Biobank.
- Will foreign researchers/organisations be able to use my information?
Yes, if important research is going on outside the UK which may lead to a medical breakthrough, we will allow foreign researchers to use the UK Biobank resource provided they have all of the necessary scientific and ethics approvals.
