It is likely that some people invited to participate in UK Biobank will want to discuss the opportunity with their GP first. If you find that you require any further information about this project, please contact us on 0800 0 276 276 8am-7pm.
Participants will be asked to answer some questions about their health, lifestyle, memory, work and family history. We will take measurements of blood pressure, pulse rate, height, weight, body fat, grip strength, lung function and bone density. Participants will also be asked to give small samples of blood and urine for long-term storage and analysis (including genetic data). Please see: What happens at an assessment centre for more details
Though UK Biobank does not offer a health check, participants will leave their assessment centre with a simple form on which some standard measurements relating to their health will have been recorded. UK Biobank can offer no medical advice to participants. If participants have any worries about their health we will suggest to them that they discuss this matter with their GP.
- A copy of an assessment form can be viewed here [PDF 42k]
- Letter to GPs [PDF 264k]
- Letter to participants [PDF 268k]
Find out more about UK Biobank
UK Biobank provides an opportunity for GPs and practice managers to learn more about this pioneering health project. Letters notifying GPs that people registered with their practice (though not the names of the individuals) will receive invitations to participate in UK Biobank are sent out before the recruitment process in their town or city begins. GPs and practice managers are also invited to a briefing session at the assessment centre before it opens.
The most recent briefing session was held in London, just before the opening of the UK Biobank assessment centre at Barts & the London School of Medicine & Dentistry Clinical Trials Centre, John Vane Science Centre. Information about the next briefing is available from Andrew Trehearne at andrew.trehearne@ukbiobank.ac.uk