Drawbridge Health has partnered with the UK’s University of Cambridge Medical Research Council (MRC) Epidemiology unit to use the OneDraw Blood Collection Device in a Covid-19 study.
The Fenland COVID-19 Study is being carried out to analyse the prevalence of prior infections with the disease.
Launched in July, the study has enrolled 4,000 participants and is led by MRC Epidemiology unit director professor Nick Wareham.
The proportion of people who have been previously infected with Covid-19 in the Fenland cohort is the study’s primary aim.
The device is being used in the study to collect remote blood samples from participants for repeated Covid-19 serological testing over nine to 12 months.
With the OneDraw device, participants can collect blood samples at home and send them to the laboratory for analysis.
This alleviates the need for face-to-face interaction with a study team member, thereby minimising virus exposure and potential spread.
Initiation of this trial comes after obtaining positive results from an earlier feasibility study for Covid-19 serological testing.
It showed that the OneDraw device was suitable for clinical studies in a real-world setting.
Lay users successfully administered the OneDraw device and mailed the samples to a clinical testing lab by post, Drawbridge noted.
As compared to venipuncture or fingerstick, the device was less painful and the preferred modality of blood draw for 76% of subjects.
Drawbridge Health CEO Lee McCracken said: “Drawbridge Health recognises the urgent need for better methods of blood sample collection and high-quality test results to aid in pandemic mitigation, as well as much-needed advancements in the management of metabolic disorders.
“We are thrilled to advance and expand our partnership with the University of Cambridge.”
Drawbridge Health and the MRC Epidemiology unit are developing a collaboration in metabolic health based on OneDraw device’s testing suitability and positive user experience.
