This page contains information for researchers who wish to use the bioresource. All applications must be made through the Application for Access form. They will then be reviewed by the access committee on a weekly basis.
Study Design
Aim To identify host and pathogen correlates of protection and pathogenesis in SARS-CoV-2 infection
Study Design: Prospective observational cohort study (n=1000) healthcare workers (HCWs) with serial data/sample collection pre and post-SARS-CoV-2 exposure for collaborative science. The key principles are to track a disease-naive population including the complete spectrum of COVID-19.
Study Participants: Participants recruited from clinical areas in hospitals across all roles (doctors, nurses, AHPs, porters, domestic staff). Participants asymptomatic at recruitment/ follow-up.
Study period: 12 months: 16 weeks of serial sampling and follow-up collection at 6 and 12 months to monitor duration of protective immunity.
Data Collection: Baseline eCRF with sample collection (blood and nasal swab, saliva) followed by weekly sampling (see Table 1, below) for 16 weeks, and follow-up at 6 and 12 months.
eCRF – 10 minute questionnaire focusing on demographics (including household size and details), anthropometry, past medical history, prior SARS-CoV-2 symptoms, exposure and testing, contact history including work-based exposure and PPE used and potential immunity factors (exercise, drugs, pregnancies, supplement use). Data collection in REDCap, compatible with ISARIC. All data pseudo-anonymised with access only by research staff.
Sample collection – We will capture pre-infection levels of several markers (and how they evolve), including but not restricted to immune cell population (e.g., pre-infection antibody levels against other coronaviruses might influence host response to SARS-CoV-2), genomic and transcriptomic profiles. Sample collection will include:
- Nasal swabs for RNA and viral genetics
- Blood samples ( summarized in Table 1): Baseline samples 1xPAX RNA, 2xserum, 2x plasma/PBMCs and 1x DNA totalling 29.5mL. Follow-up PAX RNA and serum only
The latest ethics amendment adds saliva samples including at home when self-isolating.
Ethics: HRA approval (19/03/2020) for n=400 participants – REC Reference 20/SC/0149, IRAS project ID 281844. Substantial amendment approved for n=1000 16.04.2020.
Samples Collected
Laboratory key samples to be collected and planned laboratory procedures
| Biosample type [Time points] | Processing | Key analyte [Analysis laboratory] |
|---|---|---|
| Nasal swab [Baseline and all follow ups, until positive] | Freeze -80°C | Molecular testing for SARS-CoV-2 ± other pathogens [UCLH virology lab] |
| Saliva Sample [Week 4, convalescent, month 6 and 12 | Freeze -80°C | Molecular testing for SARS-CoV-2 ± other pathogens |
| Serum tube [Baseline, all follow ups, convalescent] | Analyse | SARS-CoV-2 antibody testing i.e. IgG, IgM [UCLH virology lab] |
| PAX RNA gene tube [Baseline, all follow ups, convalescent] | Freeze -80°C | Transcriptomics [UCLH virology lab] |
| PAX DNA gene tube [Baseline only] | Freeze -80°C | Genetics [LGC Life Sciences] |
