St. Louis Baby Tooth Study – Phase II: Sample Collection Instructions
Thank you for your continued participation in the St. Louis Baby Tooth study! To ensure accurate sample collection, please read all the online instructions carefully before collecting your samples. You can access the complete blood, water, and toenail collection instructions by clicking on the corresponding images at the bottom of this page. Each set of instructions includes details about each step in the collection process and includes a demonstrational video at the end of each section. Phase II can be completed in any order; you do not need to complete the blood draw before starting your water and toenail collection. For more answers to frequently asked questions, click this link to be taken to our FAQ.
You can reach us at slbt@hsph.harvard.edu (fastest response time) or 617-432-0041 with any questions.
We will do our best to get back to you as soon as possible!
When you receive your kit materials, please keep your kit out of reach of children and animals at all times. Carefully open the outermost packaging, making sure not to lose or discard any materials inside the shipping box. Your package will include two separate kits, one marked “Blood Collection Kit” and one marked “Water & Toenail Collection Kit“, along with two ice packs and three sheets of paper.
The three sheets of paper include a paper copy of your consent form (which is also available digitally on the study website here), a sample collection checklist, and a lab directive for the licensed BSI phlebotomist (person trained to draw blood). The latter is included to ensure the best quality control possible, although the phlebotomist will already be familiar with our study-specific collection procedures.
To prepare for your at-home blood draw, please take the two ice packs and place them in a safe place in your freezer at least two days before the date of your appointment. When placing your ice packs in the freezer, please make sure that they are laid flat to ensure that they will fit back into the “Blood Collection Kit”. You must have two frozen ice packs at the time of your at-home blood draw that were frozen while laid flat, to ensure your samples reach Harvard safely.
Blood Collection Kit Instructions
Detailed instructions and videos on using your Phase II Blood Collection Kit
Water & Toenail Collection Kit Instructions
Detailed instructions and videos on using your Phase II Water Collection Kit