Participant Information

Advances in science and technology are making it possible for us to examine the roots of health and illness. We now know that a person's genetic makeup (DNA) influences their overall health and wellness. It is our hope that studies using the Mayo Clinic Biobank will advance our understanding of disease.

The Mayo Clinic Biobank is a collection of samples and health information donated by volunteers. We need Mayo Clinic patients to contribute blood samples and health information to this project. The Biobank makes it easier for researchers to perform studies, since samples and information from many different people will be available in one place. Researchers can use the biobank like a library. When they want to study a health issue they can use Biobank samples instead of finding new samples.

We hope this information will answer your questions about this project and why it is so valuable to Mayo Clinic, our patients and the future of medicine.

Expectations of the participants:

• Fill out a questionnaire about their health, lifestyle, and family history.
• Give a sample of blood for long-term storage and analysis (which may include genetic analysis).
• Allow Biobank staff to review past, present, and future Mayo Clinic medical record.

Participants will receive:

• Participants will receive a choice of one or more items worth a total of $20.

Participant cost:

• Participants will not need to pay for tests and procedures done just for the Biobank.
• Participants will need to pay for any tests or procedures done at Mayo Clinic for their own health care.

In the future, participants may:

• Be asked to fill out additional questionnaires
• Be asked to give additional blood samples

Study Materials:

• Brochure
• Pamphlets
  

  • Introduction Pamphlet
  • Participation Pamphlet
  • Privacy Pamphlet

• Consent Form
• Questionnaire

Participant communications after enrollment:

As enrollment in the Mayo Clinic Biobank expands and researchers begin using samples and information from the Biobank for research studies, we plan to communicate updates to all participants in several forms:

• Updates on studies using the biobank and any outcomes of those studies will be available via this web site (Studies using the Biobank)
• Updates about ongoing studies and outcomes of the Biobank will be mailed to participants via a Newsletter on a periodic basis.
• If direct contact with a participant is needed for any reason, the participant may receive a letter by mail or a phone call