FAQs About COVIDVu
Learn more about the COVIDVu study, your participation, and privacy.
FAQs About COVIDVu
About the Study
The COVIDVu study helps health researchers to understand how widespread COVID-19 is in the U.S. This data will include individuals who have had COVID-19 and have since recovered (including those who may not have known they had it). Compared to the methods some other studies use, COVIDVu uses a representative sample of individuals from across the country to understand the national impact.
The research is being conducted by Emory University, one of the world’s leading research universities, with funding from the National Institutes of Health (NIH).
This study’s results will be used to map COVID-19 across the U.S. Individual test results will be combined with those of other participants in the study to provide a nationally representative overview of the impact of the disease. Participant information including test results will be kept confidential.
The tests used in the study are performed as a component of a research study and have not received an FDA Emergency Use Authorization. However, the tests will be conducted in a CLIA-certified laboratory, and on platforms and kits approved under FDA Emergency Use Authorization. The results we return to you will be labeled according to the current status of FDA Emergency Use Authorization.
For questions, please call our resource center at 855-263-0442. We are open M-F (9 am – 5 pm EST). You can also email us directly at covidvu@emory.edu.
Participation
Full study participation involves completing a test kit and questionnaire at three different time points. If you already completed an initial test kit and questionnaire with us, we are asking that you also complete two follow-up kits and questionnaires spread about 3 months apart. This will help us learn more about the epidemic over time.
Your continued participation in the study will involve completing a short questionnaire and providing blood spots for antibody testing. It is important that the test kit and online questionnaire are completed by the person whose name is on the front of the package.
Once completed, you will return the test kit by mail to the research lab for analysis. The tests will indicate if the presence of antibodies due to prior infection or due to vaccine-induced immunity. Test results will be provided as part of participation in the study and all information collected in the study will be kept confidential.
Yes. If you were selected in the first questionnaire for the study, then you are eligible. Prior COVID-19 testing, regardless of the result, does not exclude participation in this study.
Yes, your participation is welcome and appreciated. The success of the study relies on a representative sample, including those who have not been infected and those who have been sick. Remember, it is possible to have had COVID-19 without knowing it / showing symptoms.
Yes. Even if you are/have been in another research project, or have previously been tested for COVID-19, your participation in this study is important for its success.
Yes. Your participation is welcome and appreciated if you have received the COVID-19 vaccine.
No. There is no cost to participate in the study. Your test results will be provided as part of your participation.
Yes. Participants will get a $60 e-gift card for completing each follow-up questionnaire and test kit. For us to provide the gift card, participation must be completed by the person who completed the first test kit.
Yes. Test results will be provided as part of your participation in this study. You will receive an email when your results are ready.
The tests that detect antibodies to the virus that causes COVID-19 perform at high levels of accuracy, but may not detect all prior infections or vaccine-induced immunity.
No. It is important for the study’s success that the at-home test kit be taken by the person who was originally selected to participate in the study. Participants will be asked to complete a secure and confidential questionnaire online or by phone to confirm their participation. It is very important that the person who completes the follow-up test kit and questionnaire is the person who was first selected to participate in the study.
No. It is very important that the person who completes the follow-up test kit and questionnaire is the person who was first selected to participate in the study.
No. It is very important that the person who completes the follow-up test kit and questionnaire is the person who was first selected to participate in the study.
Taking the Test
All follow-up activities are only for the person who was originally selected to participate in the study. It is important to the study’s success that only this individual take the test and complete the online questionnaire. To complete the questionnaire online, please go back to the printed instruction sheet in your test kit. There is a link at the top of the page. The questionnaire will take about 15-20 minutes. Completing the questionnaire is required to receive payment and test results.
The follow-up test kit includes a quick, simple, at-home test to return to the lab for analysis. The test involves a prick of the finger for a small blood sample. Most people find that these tests are easy to do and cause little pain or discomfort.
For any problem or questions, please call the call center at 855-263-0442.
A pre-paid USPS First Class Mail envelope is included in the test kit for you to use to return your completed tests to the lab for analysis. The envelope can be put in your outgoing mail for pickup, handed to your mail carrier, dropped off at a U.S. post office, or put in a U.S. post box.
You can also go online to schedule a pick-up with your mail carrier at USPS.com.
The tests should be put in the mail within 48 hours of completion. A pre-paid USPS Priority Mail envelope is provided for this purpose. If you experience any delays in mailing, put the sealed package in the refrigerator overnight and mail as soon as you can. If you experience longer delays returning the completed tests, please contact us.
Yes. Shipping procedure adheres to all safety protocols. The Emory Institutional Review Board (IRB) that oversees research has determined participation in this study to include minimal risk. Please see the consent form for more details about possible risks of participation.
Test Results
After your tests have been received and analyzed by the lab, you will receive an email to let you know when your results are ready.
Test results will be made available as soon as possible. Results from antibody testing can take 1-3 weeks.
The tests will indicate whether or not antibodies are present. Antibodies indicate prior COVID-19 infection or vaccine-induced immunity. It is possible to have COVID-19 without showing symptoms. More specific guidance about your test results will be provided upon results delivery. If you are experiencing any health concerns, consult a medical provider.
Your Privacy
The lab is a U.S.-based, CLIA and CAP accredited, state-of-the-art, esoteric laboratory, is processing the test kits for Emory University.
The test results are being collected for research purposes only. Researchers at Emory University will analyze and report on the results. The lab is a U.S.-based, CLIA and CAP accredited, state-of-the-art, esoteric laboratory, will process the test kits for Emory University. Participant information is kept confidential.
When possible, we will store specimens for future research purposes related to COVID-19. Specimens will only be used for purposes related to COVID research.
For more information about COVID-19, including protecting yourself and others, go to: https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/index.html