Down Syndrome Research Needs Families Like Yours
DSA Biobank was started by a parent. Samples from families like yours help researchers study Alzheimer’s, leukemia, heart, and eye conditions, among others, in people with Down syndrome.
Taking part means one small blood sample, at no cost to you. We NEVER support research aimed at preventing the birth of people with Down syndrome.
Have questions first? Email us, and we’ll walk you through every step.
Step 1
Get Information About Our Research Study
Read, learn, and speak to someone at DSA regarding the research study you will be involved in. You must be informed about the study’s nature and what you are being asked to participate in. We encourage you to ask questions.
Step 2
Give Consent
After answering your initial questions, you must give formal consent for DSA to use your biospecimens.
Step 3
Complete a Health Questionnaire
We must collect some health information about you and/or your loved one with Down syndrome.Â
This survey may take up to 15 minutes to complete, but its essential for researchers to know about the health conditions that you and/or your loved one with Down syndrome have.
Step 4
Schedule Your Biospecimen Donation Appointment
We will work with you to schedule an appointment in your home or at Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Medical Center in Cincinnati, OH.Â
If you are local and already have a medical appointment coming up, we can work with you to schedule them at the same time.Â
If you prefer to have the appointment in your home, one of our clinical research professionals will walk you through the process. We will need your help in shipping the samples to our biobank.
Step 5
Enjoy Your Gift Card
Once your appointment is complete and the samples have been sent to the DSA Biobank we will send you an Amazon gift card for your participation.
Other Ways You Can Help
Tell Your Friends
We need your help spreading the word and sharing with families how they, too, can participate in this study. We aim to make it as stress-free and easy as possible so anyone can participate in research.
Host a pop-up event!
Let us know if you would be interested in having a research pop-up event. We can come and talk to your organization about Down syndrome research and facilitate a collection event at the same time. We are more than happy to come to you to support events like this.
Sign up for our newsletter to stay up-to-date on studies and events your blood donations and financial gifts are supporting.
Additional questions or concerns?
Please contact us by emailing: dsaBiobank@dsachieves.org
You can also learn more about why it’s important to contribute to the DSA Biobank and what your legal rights are by checking out our FAQs for parents.