What can I expect?
Signing up to the RAPID-IBD study is easy and fast! Follow the instructions below to learn more:
Who can take part?
Do you have:
- Blood in your poo?
- Abdominal pain that won’t go away?
- Diarrhoea that can’t wait?
If you have experienced any of these symptoms, you may have a problem with your bowel health. If you are aged 16-49, live in the EX postcode area, and have not had investigation with a lower gut endoscopy (colonoscopy or flexible sigmoidoscopy) in the past two years, you may be able to take part.
How do I take part?
Signing up is quick and easy. To take part, all you need to do is fill in our online study survey and request your free test kit.
How do I request the free test kit?
Click the link to begin our study survey, where you'll be asked to complete an online eligibility check and consent to the study. This involves filling in details such as your name, age, date of birth, address, and your telephone number. The survey will also ask you a few details about your symptoms, and takes between 5-10 minutes to complete.
It is a good idea to have your NHS number handy, which you can find using this NHS tool.
We authenticate your information against your medical record using your phone number, and will then send you your free test kit.
Is the survey secure?
Yes, our survey is powered by REDCap, a secure data management system trusted by hundreds of NHS trusts. The REDCap server is hosted by the Trust and so when you complete the survey, your data is not going to anyone else.
You can learn more about how we keep your information safe on our Trust Privacy pages.
What happens next?
Once you have completed the survey, we will post you a stool testing kit in discreet packaging. Complete the kit and send it back in the pre-paid envelope provided. We test the sample at the Royal Devon and Exeter Hospital Laboratory.
We will test your stool (poo) sample for markers of digestive diseases. This includes a test for gut inflammation to look for Inflammatory Bowel Disease, and a test for microscopic blood to help rule out Colorectal Cancer. These tests can be helpful even if you have obvious blood in your stool.
How will I get my results?
If you test is abnormal we will automatically refer you to a local NHS specialist. You will have have the choice of a telephone or face to face appointment with a specialist within a few weeks. If your test is normal we'll message you with further advice.