Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Why have I been sent a letter?
In the Yorkshire and Humberside region blood disorders are diagnosed via HMDS, a haematological diagnostic
service based in Leeds. Diagnostic samples are sent to HMDS by your doctors/ nurses for analysis and when
your condition has been formally diagnosed, your details are passed to us. We then, with the permission
of your hospital care team, contact you to invite you to take part in the study.
Do I need to travel to York to take part in the study?
No, you don't. All you need to do to take part is to complete the consent form sent to you and return it
in the prepaid envelope provided. You may request a questionnaire to complete later, but again, this is
done via the post so you do not need to travel anywhere.
Do I need to give more blood samples?
No. Any blood we receive is left over from routine tests carried out when your condition was first
diagnosed, As such, we do not need you to give any more blood.
What happens to my blood?
Blood samples will only be used for research purposes, and never in a way that could lead to your identification.
Cells and DNA from your sample will be stored and analysed to allow a more complete investigation of the
differences between people who develop blood disorders and those who do not.
I feel too ill to participate - what should I do?
It is understandable that you may feel unable to consent to the study during your treatment. If this is the case
and you do want to take part, you may complete the consent form and return it to us when you feel you are able
to. Should you misplace the forms, call our freephone number to ask for a replacement.
How much of my medical history do you want?
We do not want details of your entire medical history. We are looking for a general background picture.
Please let us know of any serious illnesses you may suffer from or have suffered from in the past. (e.g.
diabetes, heart disease, cancers). Also, if there is anything else you would like to tell us or that you
feel is important, please write this on the back page of your questionnaire.