Kingman Regional Medical Center (KRMC), in partnership with the KRMC Foundation, is conducting a research study to find out how much of our community has had COVID-19. The study involves collection of a blood sample from participants, which will be tested for antibodies specific to SARS-CoV-2, the virus that causes COVID-19.
By taking samples from the people our hospital serves, we can get data about the prevalence of COVID specifically in our community.
This isolated data will give us valuable information about the spread of the virus – especially in asymptomatic cases (people who had no symptoms). With this, we hope to gain a better understanding of the risks that COVID-19 poses to our particular area. In turn, we can help determine how to best fight the virus locally.
Who can participate?
To get a sample that closely represents our community, KRMC hopes to include a wide range of local citizens in the study. The study is open to residents of the Kingman service area – including:
- Kingman
- New Kingman-Butler
- Golden Valley
- Valle Vista
- Peach Springs
- Dolan Springs
- Meadview
- Chloride
- Valentine
- Wikieup
- Yucca
- Hackberry
- Hualapai Tribe
- Oatman
We’re seeking healthy adults (aged 18 and above) without symptoms of respiratory illness to get the antibody test. Most people who get sick with COVID-19 tend to experience upper respiratory symptoms, but some people show no symptoms even while actively infected; whether or not you previously had symptoms, you can participate if you feel well currently.
What if I’ve been previously diagnosed with COVID-19?
A previous positive COVID test does not disqualify you from the study. In fact, it may help us understand more about how long COVID-19 antibodies stay in the body after infection.
How does it work?
Participants will contact KRMC Scheduling to set an appointment for their blood draw. Appointments will begin the week of September 28th. The draw will take place at KRMC’s Medical Professional Center in the Outpatient Lab. At the appointment, patients will receive a study description and be asked to sign a consent form. They will also need to complete a demographics and behavioral health survey. The visit should take roughly one hour.
Participants who are willing may be asked to return for a second blood draw to determine how long COVID-19 antibodies stay in the body.
The COVID-19 antibody test is free of charge for study participants. Each participant will also be entered into a raffle to win an iPad.
How do I sign up?
If you would like to take part in the research study, please call KRMC Outpatient Scheduling at (928) 692-2727.
For questions or more information contact Anthony Santarelli, PhD, clinical research administrator, at (928) 263-5146.
To limit the spread of COVID-19, KRMC encourages individuals with symptoms of respiratory illness to use our telemedicine service, Care Anywhere for assessment. Visit krmc.zipnosis.com.