RecruitingOBSERVATIONAL

Development of a Biological Database in the Field of Operative Intensive Care

This study is creating a special collection of biological samples, like blood and urine, from patients who are receiving care in an intensive care unit. This collection, often called a biobank, is vital for medical research. By studying these samples, researchers hope to gain a better understanding of severe illnesses, discover new and improved treatments, and ultimately help more patients recover well in the future. The samples are only taken when you would already be having blood or urine tests as part of your regular hospital care, so no extra procedures are needed. Your permission is always required if you wish to take part.

At a glance

Status

Recruiting

Sponsor

RWTH Aachen University

Enrolment target

99,999,999

Start

01 Mar 2017

Estimated completion

01 Feb 2050

Intensive Care in General

What is this study about?

Imagine a library, but instead of books, it's filled with tiny bits of information from our bodies – things like blood and urine samples. This study is setting up just such a library, specifically for people who are being cared for in an intensive care unit (ICU).

The main aim of this 'biological database' or 'biobank' is to help doctors and scientists learn more about serious illnesses. By carefully studying these samples, researchers can look for patterns, understand how diseases work, and search for new ways to treat them or even prevent them in the future. This kind of research is really important for improving how we look after patients in the ICU and helping them get better faster.

Taking part won't mean any extra discomfort for you. The small samples of blood and urine they want to collect will only be taken when you're already having these types of tests done as part of your regular hospital treatment. It's about making the most of a moment when samples are already being taken, so there are no new procedures. Everything collected is stored securely and used responsibly for research.

Key takeaways

Study collects blood and urine samples from ICU patients.
Samples are used for future medical research to improve patient care.
No extra tests or procedures are involved; samples are taken during routine care.
Your identity will be kept private and not linked to the samples.
Participation is voluntary, and you can withdraw at any time.
Aims to include a wide range of patients in intensive care.

Who may be eligible?

To take part in this study, you need to be a patient who has been admitted to an intensive care unit. You also need to be 18 years old or older. Before you can join, you will be asked to read and understand information about the study and then give your written permission (this is called 'informed consent').

This study aims to include a wide range of patients in intensive care. This means that even if you have several health problems, or if your organs aren't working as well as they should, you can still be considered for the study. Even if your treatment focuses on making you comfortable rather than curing your illness, you may still be able to take part.

Could this study suit you?

Answer these quick questions to see if you may be eligible. This is a guide only — the research team makes the final call.

Are you currently an intensive care patient?
Are you 18 years old or older?
Are you able to understand the study information and give your written permission?
Do you understand that even with other health issues, you may still be eligible?

Answer every question to see your result.

What does participation involve?

If you decide to take part, samples of your blood and urine will be collected. These samples will only be taken at the same times you are already having blood or urine tests as part of your routine care in the intensive care unit. This means you won't have any extra needles or procedures just for this study.

Specifically, they might collect up to 150ml of blood in total, spread across a maximum of 10 samples (about 15ml each time) during your stay in intensive care. These samples would typically be taken in the morning, including when you are admitted and when you are discharged from the ICU. Similarly, up to 200ml of urine might be collected, also spread across a maximum of 10 morning samples, only when you are already having catheter urine samples taken. The study lasts for the duration of your stay in the intensive care unit.

Potential risks and benefits

There are no direct medical benefits for you from taking part in this study, as the samples are used for future research. However, your contribution could greatly help scientists understand serious conditions and develop better treatments for other patients in the future. Because samples are only collected during routine procedures, there are no additional risks or discomfort beyond what you would already experience during your hospital stay. You have the right to change your mind and withdraw from the study at any time without giving a reason, and this will not affect your medical care.

Locations (1)

Uniklinik RWTH Aachen
Verified postcode
Aachen, Germany· Recruiting

Common questions

What is a 'biological database'?

It's like a secure library that stores small samples of your body's materials, like blood or urine, for scientific research. It helps doctors learn more about diseases.

Will I have extra tests if I join?

No, you won't. Samples like blood and urine will only be collected when you are already having these tests as part of your routine hospital care.

How much blood or urine will be taken?

Over your whole intensive care stay, up to 150ml of blood and up to 200ml of urine might be taken, spread out over several routine collections.

Will taking part help me directly?

Not directly, as your samples are for future research. However, your contribution can help improve treatments for many patients in years to come.

Can I change my mind after joining?

Yes, absolutely. You can withdraw from the study at any time, and it will not affect your medical treatment in any way.

How to find out more

Christina Kalvelage, M. Sc.

ckalvelage@ukaachen.de 0241 80 36485 Official trial record

Always speak to your GP or specialist before deciding to take part in a study.