The following steps will be taken to ensure the confidentiality of your samples and data during the CARRIAGE study:
- Your samples and data will not include any person identifiable details. Therefore, researchers working with your samples and data will never know your identity. Your data are stored using a unique, anonymous study identification number.
- In order to retrieve relevant health information we will use your NHS number. A single table linking your anonymous study identification number to your NHS number is stored on a separate password-protected location, which may be accessed only by the study data manager.
- The link table is used to retrieve only relevant health information from your medical and other health-related records. The retrieved information is anonymous.
- All study data is stored in a restricted-access, study database on secure computers at the University of Cambridge. The study data is linked to your study identification number, but your personal details (surname, first name, address) never appear in this database. Access to the study database is password-protected and used only by named researchers working on this study under the direct supervision of the senior scientific investigators
- Your personal details provided during the study will be stored in a secure location, separately from the study database and used for the purpose of study communication and retrieval of your NHS number.
