MLD Recruiting Study on Useability of a New Blood Collection Device

Thank you for your interest in the study “Evaluation of TAP® Micro Select in patients with Rhizomelic chondrodysplasia punctata (RCDP).” This study is designed to assess the utility of a device to collect a small volume of blood in patients with Rhizomelic chondrodysplasia punctata (RCDP). We have heard your concerns about the difficulties with collecting blood through standard blood collection techniques in patients with RCDP. In an attempt to combat these challenges in a future investigational drug trial, we are evaluating the use of a new blood collection device, the TAP® Micro Select. This device collects capillary blood using microneedles, removing the requirement to locate a vein. The goal of the study is to determine if the device collects enough blood for liver function testing (critical safety assessment in investigation drug trials) and if caregivers think the procedure is preferable to standard blood collection methods.

The duration of this study will be roughly two weeks and consist of three at-home blood draws, performed by the parent/caregiver. It is important to note that there is no direct benefit to the participants in this study outside of gaining knowledge that could help their future care.

We are looking to enroll five participants with RCDP. Eligible participants who provide their informed consent will receive a Study Kit that includes the TAP® Micro Select devices kits, instructions on how to use the device, sampling information forms (including the caregiver impression questionnaire), and all supplies required to ship the blood sample to the central laboratory.

If you have any questions or are interested in enrolling your child with RCDP into this study, please email the Principal Investigator, Tara Smith, at t.smith@med-life.ca or the Study Coordinator, Kaeli Knudsen, at k.knudsen@med-life.ca.