NEW HANOVER COUNTY — New Hanover Regional Medical Center has announced the local start of a major research study within the COVID-19 Community Research Partnership in partnership with Wake Forest Baptist Health.
The ongoing study intermittently releases results derived from the results of short questionnaires related to participant’s Covid-19 exposure, symptoms, and more.
Related: Gov. Cooper announces Pfizer vaccine distribution to North Carolinians in coming weeks [Free read]
As of the latest study update released Nov. 12, nearly 20,000 individuals had participated. Of the 7,540 study participants who were tested for having Covid-19 antibodies, 9.4% had at least one positive test.
All NHRMC patients older than 18 are eligible to participate in the confidential study, according to a hospital press release.
The local effort is being led by Dr. Patrick Maguire of NHRMC Radiation Oncology and Dr. Charin Hanlon, director of NHRMC Internal Medicine Residency Program. Research uses antibody testing and symptom tracking to track and determine the prevalence of the virus.
Taking an estimated two minutes daily to complete, participants will be asked to list their Covid-19 history or symptoms, doctor visits and treatment, contact with other infected people, and if you’re a healthcare worker, to disclose your use of PPE.
The study does not offer vaccines or treatment. Some participants may be asked to use a pin prick kit to conduct monthly in-home blood testing. The blood testing should take less than 10 minutes to complete.
For more information, visit the hospital’s website dedicated to the study.
Send tips and comments to info@portcitydaily.com
