The TAP Study - Tympanocentesis to Assess Pathogens Study

STUDY BASICS

Are you the parent of an infant between 6-35 months old? You and your child may be eligible to participate in a research study to help researchers better understand the bacteria and viruses that cause ear infections. Compensation is provided.

STUDY PURPOSE

Researchers, who study human diseases, often need nasal samples from healthy participants to use as controls in their research. This study is looking for nasal samples from healthy children and their household members to help researchers better understand the bacteria and viruses that cause disease.

COULD THIS STUDY BE RIGHT FOR YOUR CHILD?

Eligible participants include:

• Healthy infants between 6-35 months old and their parents

WHAT PARTICIPANTS CAN EXPECT

Participant will be enrolled at the Primary Care Center in Oakland or at certain Children’s Community Pediatrics (CCP) offices. You will be asked to answer questions about your child's health, including any symptoms of ear infections or respiratory systems. We will also collect information from your child's electronic medical record regarding vaccine history. 

A member of the study team will obtain a nasal swab from your child, and a urine sample will be obtained if possible. You will also be instructed on how to collect each of these specimens at home. We ask that you collect specimens every three months (for up to two years) and return them to the study team. The study team will provide instructions on how to return your child's samples.