Brief Study Description:
Represent ATL is a research study led by Georgia State University and funded by the National Institute of Health (NIH) through the RADx-UP program. The RADx-UP program was started to understand what kinds of people have the highest risk for COVID-19 illness and death and to reduce bad outcomes of COVID-19 among people at highest risk. The Represent ATL study is focused on understanding and reducing barriers to COVID-19 blood testing among Black communities in Atlanta.
Why is the Represent ATL Study Being Done?
In the U.S., COVID-19 has affected Black communities more than many other
communities. We want to understand the reasons Black people may be interested, or
not interested, in taking a COVID-19 blood test.
COVID-19 blood tests are important because they tell us how many people may have
been previously affected by COVID-19. This test provides information about COVID-19
infections that people might not have even known they had.
Many people with COVID-19 do not experience symptoms or may choose not to test for
some other reason. The results from the blood tests tell us about all the COVID-19
infections in a population, not just the ones that are diagnosed.
What Will I Be Asked to do if I Participate in Represent ATL?
You will be asked to take a COVID-19 blood test and to participate in an interview. You
do not have to take the test and participate in the interview. You can do only the test, or
only the interview, or both.
Where will the COVID-19 Blood Test and Interview Take Place?
Both the COVID-19 blood test and the interview will be conducted at an outdoor private
location of your choosing. This might be your porch or yard, or a park near you. Our
interviewers will come to meet you in person for the blood test and interview. They will be
wearing a mask and gloves. They will also offer you a mask and gloves if you would like to
wear them.
How Long Will it Take to Participate in the Study?
The COVID-19 blood test will take 10 – 15 minutes.
The interview will take 45 – 60 minutes.
We value your time and will aim to keep study activities within this timeframe.
Do I Have to Take the COVID-19 Blood Test to Participate in the Interview?
No, we are interested in doing an interview with you whether you choose to participate
in the COVID-19 blood test or not.
Am I Eligible to Participate in Represent ATL?
To be eligible to participate, you must have all of the following characteristics:
1) Identify as Black (though can have multiple racial and/or ethnic identities),
2) Be at least 18 years old,
3) Not be pregnant, and
4) Live in one of our 3 focus zip codes (30318, 30310, 30021).
Our study design is focused specifically on people who live in these 3 zip
codes.
I’ve Heard of/had the COVID-19 Nose Swab Test in the Past. What is the Difference Between
Those Tests and a Blood Test?
The nose swab test tells you whether or not you currently have COVID-19 infection.
COVID-19 is a very common disease, and you may have been infected in the past
without even knowing. The COVID-19 blood test will show whether or not you may have
been infected with COVID-19 in the past.
The blood test tells you whether you may have had COVID-19 infection in the past by
looking for whether your body is now producing antibodies to COVID-19.
If I Choose to Take the COVID Blood Test, How Will my Blood Sample be Taken?
We will ask you to prick your finger with a very small needle and to drop a few drops of
your blood onto a paper card.
What Happens to my Blood After the Test?
We will ship the paper card with your dried blood on it to a laboratory in called
Molecular Testing Labs in Vancouver, Washington. Molecular Testing Labs will test your
blood to see if you may have been infected with COVID-19 in the past.
Molecular Testing Labs will discard and destroy the card that contained your blood
immediately after testing it.
Who Will Have Access to my COVID-19 Blood Test Results?
Molecular Testing Labs will have access to your results.
Molecular Testing Labs is required by law to report your results to the Georgia
Department of Public Health. All COVID-19 tests you take are required to be reported to
the Georgia Department of Public Health, regardless of where you take the test or what
kind of test it is.
The researchers on our team will have access to your COVID-19 blood test results, but
we will receive them from the laboratory without your name or any other identifying
information. Your test results will only be communicated to us with a study number, not
your name.
YOU will have access to your COVID-19 blood test results. We will show you how to
check your results on a secure Molecular Testing Labs site.
Will the Test be Able to Tell if my COVID-19 Antibodies are From Past Infection or Vaccination?
No, your test result may be positive if you have either had COVID-19 in the past OR if
you have been vaccinated.
Can I Participate if I’ve Already Tested Positive for COVID-19? What if I’ve Received the
Vaccine?
Yes, your experience and insights are still valuable information to us.
You are still eligible to participate in both the COVID-19 blood test and the interview.
Will I Get Study Findings? How? When?
We will be sharing our findings with community members through our Community
Advisory Board members at the conclusion of our study.
Will I be Paid for Taking Part in this Study?
We appreciate your time and effort in taking part in our start and will compensate you
for your time.
If you take the COVID-19 blood test, you will be compensated $25.
If you participate in the interview, you will be compensated $50.
If you take the COVID-19 blood test AND participate in the interview, you will be
compensated $75.
What if I’m not in the Eligibility Categories?
Because of our study design, we will not be able to offer a COVID-19 blood tests or
interviews to people who are not eligible to participate.
How do I Participate in the Study?
Please contact us by calling or texting 678-449-1093 or email Representatl@gsu.edu.