How Do I Join A Study?
All of the Inova Translational Medicine Institute (ITMI) studies depend on the participation of people like you. Our studies are open to patients of Inova hospitals and our partner physicians. By providing blood and other samples – as part of your routine care – and responding to short surveys, you can help ITMI researchers make new discoveries about human health.
Joining an ITMI study: What to expect
Once you qualify to participate in a study based on your specific conditions, there are generally three steps for participating in a study:
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If you are interested in participating in one of our studies, a member of our research team will discuss the study in detail and answer your questions.
- If you decide to enroll, we will ask you to complete a consenting document, which explains all aspects of the study and your participation.
- When you are enrolled, we will collect blood, saliva and possibly other samples from you and your family during routine medical care or in a hospital lab. It is important to all of our studies to have family members also participate, as we look for familial connections in genetic makeup. We may also ask you to complete a short survey.
There is no cost to participate in any of our studies.
ITMI research studies
Learn more about each of our studies and how to enroll:
Premature Birth Study (We are no longer enrolling participants in this study)
This study looks at babies delivered before 37 weeks to understand the causes of preterm birth and develop personalized therapies. Families that plan to deliver their baby at Inova Fairfax Hospital, without a known reason for premature birth, can participate.
First 1,000 Days of Life and Beyond Study
This longitudinal study tracks families during the pregnancy and then for at least two years after birth, in addition to collecting their parents' health and genetic information. Families who plan to deliver their baby at Inova Fairfax Hospital can participate.
Congenital Disorders Study
This study aims to diagnose congenital conditions that may be linked to a genetic cause, as well as known and unknown congenital anomalies, or birth defects. Our research will help provide better knowledge that may help guide future treatment for these conditions. Families can participate if you or your child is a patient of Inova and has a birth defect or medical condition that may have genetic causes. If you are a mother-to-be and your physician suspects you have an underlying genetic condition or a strong familial history of genetic disease, we also encourage you to participate.
Type 2 Diabetes Study (We are no longer enrolling participants in this study)
This study uses genetic information to find better ways to predict and treat type 2 diabetes. Any patients of Inova and Bay West Endocrinology Associates with type 2 diabetes can participate in this study.
Allergies and Autoimmune Disease Study
ITMI researchers are examining connections between a person’s genetic composition and the development and treatment of allergies, asthma and autoimmune diseases. Any patients of O&O Alpan and Inova who have asthma, allergies or autoimmune disease – and their family members – can participate in this study.
Heart Failure Study
ITMI is looking at how genes contribute to heart failure to make new discoveries about how to personalize treatment – and ultimately prevent it. Patients are eligible to participate if they have a diagnosis of heart failure and are seeing a doctor on the Inova Fairfax Hospital cardiology team.
Read more about our research studies.
Contact us
For more information about joining a study, call us at 703-776-8199.