Instructions for Abou-Donia blood test:

 

Prof. Mohamed Abou-Donia at Duke University is developing a blood test intended to provide objective evidence of brain damage. The test is not specific to toxic exposures, but still may be helpful. Brain damage can be caused by exposure to toxic substances, pathogens, trauma, or some combination thereof. Genetics can also play a role. The blood test under development does not identify the cause of the brain damage, but it can still be very helpful for someone who has been exposed to toxic substances and is suffering neurological symptoms because many clinical tests are not sensitive enough to provide objective evidence of damage to the brain. Other (non-chemical) causes of brain damage may be ruled out clinically by your doctor. If you would like to participate in this study, you need to follow these instructions.

 

  1. Print this letter, intended for potential study subjects. Read it and keep it for your records. If you have questions, contact Prof. Abou-Donia. Contact details on the form.

 

  1. Print this consent form. Sign it and keep a copy for your records. Send the original to Prof. Abou-Donia. Contact details on the form.

 

  1. Print two copies of this physician letter. It contains information about the blood test for your doctor. It also contains instructions for the blood draw lab to prepare and ship your blood sample. Bring a copy to your doctor and bring a copy to the blood draw lab.

 

  1. Print this basic questionnaire. Answer all the questions that you can, keep a copy for your records, and send the original to Prof. Abou-Donia. Contact details on the form.

 

  1. Print this aircraft-specific supplemental questionnaire. Answer all the questions you can, keep a copy for your records, and send the original to Prof. Abou-Donia. Contact details on the form. 

 

  1. To cover the costs of analysis, study subjects need to pay $500. For people who are not able to work as a result of ill health, the participant fee is reduced to $250. You can send a cheque made payable to Duke University Medical Center with the signed consent form, basic questionnaire, and the aircraft-specific supplemental questionnaire.