We are currently recruiting participants for a new component of the VUSNAPS BioAge Study.  This is a pilot study to look at how we can use self-collected blood samples to measure biological markers of aging.

Over the next few months, we will be recruiting 160 VUSNAPS participants to join this exciting study. We will provide additional information and ask participants to collect a one-time, needle-free, self-administered blood draw using a device call a Tasso button. You will wear the device on your arm for 5 minutes and return the samples in a pre-paid mailer included in the included with the collection kit. This study is separate from the VUSNAPS survey.​

​As a thank you, participants will receive $50 and the results of a COVID-19 antibody test performed using the sample. Keep an eye on your email for an invitation to participate in this exciting study! If you are interested in learning more, you can contact us at vusnaps@utexas.edu or call us at 512-471-4707.

FAQs

  • What is the purpose of this study? VUSNAPS investigates the health and aging of older sexual and gender minority (SGM) populations residing in the US South. The BioAge Study looks at how we can use self-collected blood samples to measure biological markers of aging.
  • Why do we need to collect a blood sample? While time passes in the same way for everyone, the rate at which we age differs. We can measure differences in this aging process by looking at markers of inflammation, stress response, nutrient signaling, kidney function, and metabolism in your blood. We will also measure your body’s antibody response to COVID-19.
  • How do I collect my blood sample? Tasso blood collection devices are designed to be easy-to-use and come with step-by-step instructions on how to collect your blood sample. You can view a video of the collection procedure here. https://www.tassoinc.com/tassoplus-video
  • What results will I receive? While the study results in aggregate may help us identify population-level patterns of aging, your individual results on their own are not sufficient for guiding healthcare decisions. However, due to the immediate relevance of COVID-19 antibodies in the ongoing pandemic, we have obtained permission to share just those results with you.
  • What will the results show? Your results will indicate whether your body has produced two types of antibodies to COVID-19. One of these antibody tests will only detect past or present infection, while the other can indicate an antibody response to vaccination or infection.​

Additional information about this new study.

This study is supported by the UT Center on Aging and Population Sciences and the Population Research Center. This research was supported by grant, P30AG066614, awarded to the Center on Aging and Population Sciences at The University of Texas at Austin by the National Institute on Aging, and by grant, P2CHD042849, awarded to the Population Research Center at The University of Texas at Austin by the Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development. This study has been reviewed and approved by the Institutional Review Board at the University of Texas at Austin. The content is solely the responsibility of the authors and does not necessarily represent the official views of the National Institutes of Health.