Who are UKHSA?

The UK Health Security Agency is a government agency in the United Kingdom who have been responsible for England-wide public health protection and infectious disease capability since April 2021. 

Why are we doing this study?

Many different types of microbes are carried in and on our body at any one time. We pick up different microbes from places we visit, things we touch, like animals, and things we eat. And when we take antibiotics, the bacteria we carry in our gut and skin sometimes become resistant to antibiotics. As these bacteria can sometimes cause illness if they pass from the gut or skin into another part of the body, we want to know how common different types of bacteria are and if time spent abroad, antibiotics, hospital visits or other things increase our risk of having them. For more information about these microbes please visit: https://www.gov.uk/government/news/new-study-launched-to-assess-levels-of-antimicrobial-resistance-in-healthy-people

Why have I been chosen?

Basis research and DRG research, two research companies, are recruiting participants aged 18 or older for this study on behalf of the UKHSA. If you came to this website after being contacted by post, you have been selected at random from the general public across England using a publicly available record of postal addresses. 

What will my samples be tested for?

Your samples will be tested for the presence of antibiotic resistant microbes: Extended-Spectrum Beta-Lactamase (ESBL) producing Gram-negatives, Carbapenemase Producing organisms (CPOs), Vancomycin Producing Enterococci (VRE), Methicillin Resistant / Sensitive Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA / MSSA) and Candida auris; and the prevalence of Group A Streptococcus. Your samples will not be tested for any illnesses. The microbes isolated from your samples may also be used for future relevant studies if you consent to this.

What will happen to the results of the research?

A report of findings will be shared with public health professionals and results may be reported in a medical journal, however you will not be identifiable in any results published.

All data in these reports will be aggregated and anonymous. If you do not wish for your results to be used in this way, you do not have to participate. 

• All information collected about you during the study will be kept strictly confidential. To find out more about the UKHSA, how your information may be used and your information rights please see the UKHSA privacy notice.
• All procedures regarding your personal data will be in compliance with the Data Protection Act 2018.
• Only the microbes isolated from your samples will be stored in a laboratory and assessed every three years. These will not be stored with any information that could identify you. The rest of your samples will be destroyed.
• Your samples will not be tested for any illnesses. 

We will be unable to share individual results with participants but if you would like a copy of the final report with aggregated results, please email the study leads at TARGETantibiotics@ukhsa.gov.uk

Do I have to take part?

No – participation in this research study is completely voluntary. 

You will also be able to opt out of the study at any point, by calling the helpline, sending back the withdrawal of consent slip posted out to you along with the samples or emailing TARGETantibiotics@ukhsa.gov.uk. This will ensure that all your survey responses are removed from the analysis and samples destroyed. If you have submitted a sample but then decide to withdraw your consent, you will still be paid a £50 Love2shop voucher as a thank you. If the study report has already been published by the time you withdraw consent, your sample will be destroyed but your results will still be included in the analysis of the report (but you will not be identifiable). Please note that the only way we will be able to identify and remove your data is via your UID. Your UID must be included in any opt out request. 

How do I find my NHS number? 

To find your NHS number, you can visit https://www.nhs.uk/nhs-services/online-services/find-nhs-number/ and follow the instructions.

Alternatively, you can:

• Find it on any letter from the NHS, like a prescription or appointment letter
• Call your GP surgery and ask them for your number

How do I get paid? 

If you complete the questionnaire (online or by calling the helpdesk) and return valid samples within the timeframe*, you will be sent a link to a £50 Love2Shop voucher within 5 working days of the samples being verified. This can be used in a variety of stores, restaurants and attractions. 

* Please return the samples via the Post Office or through a post box using the freepost returns label  within 5 days of receiving your kit, and within 12 hours of taking your samples.

What do I do if I have a complaint about the study?

If you have any complaints regarding the study, please email randd.office@ukhsa.gov.uk 

Who has reviewed the study?

All research from the UK Health Security Agency is looked at by an independent group of people called a Research Ethics Committee to protect your interests. This study has been reviewed and given a favourable opinion by the UKHSA Research & Public Health Practice Ethics and Governance group (UKHSA REGG).

Are there any disadvantages to taking part?

Whilst it will take a little of your time to complete the questionnaire (approximately 10 minutes) and collect the samples there are no disadvantages to taking part in this study. In fact, the results we gather will help the NHS control and treat infections that can sometimes occur if microbes pass from the gut into another part of the body.

Who can I contact for help?

For further information, including any questions you may have about this research study you can contact our helpline via the below:

· support@AMRICstudy.com 

· Freephone 0808 296 8584

If you wish to confirm the legitimacy of this research study, you may call UKHSA on 0800 098 8890 who will be able to confirm its validity.

We hope you have all of the information you need to decide whether you want to take part, but if not please do use our helpline.

To read our privacy notice, please click https://www.basisresearch.com/research-respondent-privacy-notice