RecruitingNCT07435285

Analysis of Inflammatory Biomarker Changes in Dry Blood Spot Versus Venous Blood Samples

Sponsor

McGill University Health Centre/Research Institute of the McGill University Health Centre

Enrollment

50 participants

Start Date

Jan 15, 2026

Study Type

OBSERVATIONAL

Conditions

Inflammation Inflammation Biomarkers Blood Sampling Dried Blood Spot

Summary

The purpose of this study is to see whether dried blood spot (DBS) samples can measure inflammatory biomarkers as accurately as venous blood samples. Investigators will be measuring inflammatory biomarkers changes obtained in DBS compared with paired venous blood samples following a controlled physiological stressor (i.e. after a vaccine or other planned event that can cause a temporary rise in inflammation). These findings will help understand whether DBS can be a reliable alternative to traditional blood draws in future research and healthcare.

Eligibility

Min Age: 18 Years

Inclusion Criteria1

Men or women aged ≥18 years, who are planning to receive a seasonal vaccine OR have a scheduled acute stressor\*.

Exclusion Criteria11

Any infectious symptoms (fever, cough, rhinorrhea, sore throat, diarrhea, loss of smell or taste) within the previous 7 days
Any self-reported active/recent use of cocaine, injection drugs, or amphetamines
Acute worsening of a known chronic health condition within the previous 30 days (e.g., of IBD, COPD, asthma, rheumatologic disease)
Known severe allergy or intolerance to the planned vaccine
Contraindication to the vaccine received, if applicable
\*List of possible scheduled acute stressors include:
Hard exercise (incl. 10km run or longer, high-intensity interval training, or comparable endurance activity)
Social event with moderate alcohol consumption
Planned change in medication dose and/or frequency of use
Onset of menstruation (day 1)
Other pre-planned stressors expected to elicit an inflammatory response

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Interventions

DIAGNOSTIC_TESTVenous blood sampling

-Venous blood samples (1-2 mL) will be collected into EDTA and serum-separator vacutainer tubes. Samples will be processed within one hour by centrifugation (1,500g, 10 min, 4°C), and plasma/serum aliquots will be stored at -80°C

DIAGNOSTIC_TESTDried blood spot sampling

-DBS samples will be collected via finger prick (using a lancet) onto certified filter paper (Dried Blood Spot Sample Collection Kit with Lancets, Salimetrics, LLC; State College, PA, USA). Two blood spots (\~20 µL each) will be dried at room temperature for at least two hours, then stored in a sealed bag at -20°C with desiccant. Validated guidelines for the collection, storage and preparation of DBS samples will be followed to ensure proper quality control.