UW Virology Research Clinic

What to Expect at Your First Visit

If you are coming to the clinic for a research study or clinical trial, first of all we want to say thank you!

Image of building housing the research clinic
The UW-Harborview Ninth & Jefferson Building

At entry to any UW Medicine building, you will be asked whether you have any symptoms that could be related to COVID-19 infection.

If you do have symptoms, please do not come to see us. If you are not yet enrolled in our study, please call your health provider for where to go to be evaluated. If you are already enrolled in our study, please call 206-520-4340 for instructions where to go for an evaluation.

All areas of UW Medicine require a mask to be worn the entire time you are in the building. If you are unwilling to wear a mask, you will not be able to participate in our research studies. We want to keep you and everyone safe and healthy so we can continue to research this infection!

At the beginning of your visit, you will be given time to read the informed consent form. This is a document that provides many of the details about the study, including the schedule of visits, participant risks, and compensation information. The study staff will review and discuss it with you. The bulk of your visit will be taken up by this discussion. Please do not sign the informed consent form until your questions have been addressed and you have decided that the study is a good fit for you. You are also welcome – and encouraged! – to take the consent document home and discuss the content with your family, friends and doctor for additional input on your participation in the study. For most research, we will be able to provide the consent form to you before you come to the clinic.

If you decide that participation in our research study is right for you, you will be asked to sign the consent form. A copy will be provided to you for your reference. Once you have completed this initial process, you are still welcome to ask questions and review the information with your friends, family and doctor.

The clinician will obtain your medical history and elicit any information that might be relevant to your current state of health. They will perform a physical examination. For some studies, bloodwork may be required to assess whether or not you can enter the study.