Blood samples are collected for prompt analysis of selected blood values and for storage for later analyses, e.g. for research into common diseases. A maximum of 70 ml of blood is collected for analysis and storage. Your blood sample is sent to a laboratory for prompt analysis. The blood test includes a small blood count to determine red and white blood cells and other blood values such as cholesterol and liver enzymes. These results will be listed in your results letter.
You will also be asked for a urine sample at the study centre, which will be frozen for later analysis and stored for 20-30 years in the central biosample storage facility of the German National Cohort (NAKO) at the Helmholtz Center Muenich.
For the collection of a stool sample, we will send some of the participants a stool sample box with all the necessary materials. If you receive a box, we ask you to collect the stool sample as soon as possible before the examination date according to the enclosed instructions. Please bring the stool sample box with your stool sample and the completed questionnaire to the examination appointment.
