Today I am doing something different – at-home blood collection! 💉
I recently signed up for the CORALE V IBD Study to learn more about the safety and effectiveness of the COVID-19 vaccines in people with IBD.
Since I have Crohn’s disease and know I have autoimmune diseases and use biologic/immunosuppressive medications like Stelara, I thought this study would be great to participate in considering we are living in COVID times. 🧫
This study was easy to sign up for – Link below – and my at-home test was shipped almost immediately.
The blood collection kit was simple enough, with thorough instructions that include pictures to help make sure you sample correctly.
I rubbed my arm before beginning and cleaned my arm with the provided alcohol swab. I opened the sterile packaging and prepared the blood collection device.
I placed the device on my arm and held the button for the recommended 5 seconds before beginning a 5-minute timer to allow a sufficient blood sample. ⏰
My device filled up quickly, in a matter of moments, and I removed the device and then the sample tube. 🧪
After putting the cap on my blood sample and putting it in the provided biohazard bag, it went into the return box and I was done. It will be sent out with my mail ASAP tomorrow morning. 📫
In 8 weeks or less, I will find out the results of my own vaccine antibodies and how my medications could impact my body’s response to the vaccine.😷
Apologies for my no-makeup face and not being my put-together self — I’m currently on a new batch of steroids for possible inflammation in my ribs and I’m not feeling too well or sleeping great. 🤷♀️ Also, I keep looking off screen and making faces because I am meticulously following the instructions. 💁♀️
To learn more about the study or to join – go to https://www.corale-study.org/ibd for more information.
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