MURDOCK Study Looking for Participants

As some of you know, the MURDOCK Study is well underway in Kannapolis and Cabarrus County. This study is led by researchers and clinicians of Duke University to identify linkages within and across diseases by looking closely at genes, proteins, and other so-called ‘biomarkers.’

In order for the project team to reach its study milestones, local residents are being asked to consider joining the MURDOCK Study, a critical component of the study that will aid Duke’s quest to reclassify disease.

The local MURDOCK Study team is currently scheduling appointments for residents to join the study.  Participation is purely voluntary and entails a 45-60 minute study visit. During this time participants (over age 18) who live in Kannapolis or Cabarrus County provide their signed consent to complete a comprehensive health and demographic questionnaire, allow access to their medical record for additional health-related information, provide vital signs, blood and urine samples, and agree to be contacted every year for annual follow-up and up to four times a year to request their participation in additional research studies approved by the MURDOCK Study leadership.

Those who choose to join the study will be followed for an indefinite period of time and may withdraw their consent at any time.  The privacy of study participants is always protected and no information will be shared with anyone without their permission.

The resource created by these volunteers will serve as a rich source of samples representing the local population from which questions related to diseases, like multiple sclerosis and cancer, will be asked to enable researchers to draw conclusions that will improve the diagnosis, progression, and treatment patterns of such medical conditions.

Help Duke reach its goal of 50,000 participants.  More than 2,100 local residents have already joined.  Call today to schedule an appointment (704-250-5861) at one of our several convenient locations in Kannapolis and Cabarrus County.  Or visit the MURDOCK Study website (www.murdock-study.org) to learn more about the progress of the study, recent findings, and more detailed information about joining the study.