PS1-59: Collecting Biomedical Specimens in Health Research

Abstract

Survey research organizations are increasingly being tasked with obtaining consent and, in some cases, collecting biological specimens from potential respondents. In order to obtain high response rates in these types of studies, it is crucial that survey methodologists investigate best practices to improve response in the collection of these types of data. Under what circumstances are participants willing to consent to these procedures? What methods can be utilized to best facilitate the collection of these types of data? This poster reviews outcomes from multiple studies conducted by the Survey Research Program at Group Health Research Institute, which required the collection of various biological specimens. Recruitment procedures, methodologies for obtaining consent, response rates, characteristics of participants and non-participants, and recommendations for best practices are discussed.