RecruitingOBSERVATIONAL

BloodTrackR Usability and Concordance Study (BUCS): Evaluating a Smart Home-Based Blood Collection Platform for Remote Monitoring in Rheumatoid Arthritis

This study, called BUCS, is exploring a new home blood test kit called BloodTrackR, and its phone app, for people with rheumatoid arthritis. Participants will use it to collect a small finger-prick blood sample at home and record their symptoms. We want to see how simple and effective the kit is to use, if people can collect good-quality samples themselves, and if these results are similar to traditional blood tests taken by a nurse. If successful, BloodTrackR could help people monitor their condition more easily from home, potentially reducing visits to clinics and easing pressure on NHS services. It could also help doctors adjust treatments more quickly.

At a glance

Status

Recruiting

Sponsor

University of Ulster

Enrolment target

Start

01 Jun 2026

Estimated completion

01 Dec 2026

Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA)Remote Patient Monitoring

What is this study about?

This study is called the BloodTrackR Usability and Concordance Study, or BUCS for short. It's looking at a new way for people with rheumatoid arthritis to check their blood from the comfort of their own home, using a device called BloodTrackR and a special phone app. Currently, most blood tests mean a trip to the hospital or GP surgery for a sample taken from your arm. This can be difficult and stressful, especially for people who need regular checks for conditions like rheumatoid arthritis, and it also puts a lot of strain on busy NHS staff.

The BloodTrackR device is designed to let you collect a small blood sample from your finger at home, similar to how someone with diabetes might check their blood sugar. The study wants to find out if this device and app are easy for people to use, and if the blood samples collected at home are good enough for testing. They will also compare these home test results with the results from standard blood tests taken at a clinic to make sure they are accurate and reliable.

Ultimately, if BloodTrackR works well, it could make it much simpler for people with rheumatoid arthritis to keep an eye on their condition without needing frequent hospital visits. This could help doctors understand how you're doing between appointments and adjust your treatment more quickly if needed, helping you stay well. It could also help the NHS by reducing the number of people needing traditional blood tests at clinics.

Key takeaways

This study evaluates a new home blood test kit for rheumatoid arthritis.
It aims to make monitoring your condition simpler and more convenient.
You'll use a device to collect finger-prick blood samples at home.
The study compares home test results with standard clinic tests.
It could help reduce clinic visits and improve how doctors manage your treatment.

Who may be eligible?

To join this study, you need to be an adult (18 years or older) living with rheumatoid arthritis. You should be able to understand English, both spoken and written, and be able to give your consent to take part. It's also important that you have access to Wi-Fi and your own smartphone or tablet.

There are some reasons why you might not be able to join. For example, if you are under 18 or if you don't have Wi-Fi or a smartphone/tablet. You also won't be able to take part if you are currently taking antibiotics or antiviral medication. These rules help make sure the study gathers the right information from the right people.

Could this study suit you?

Answer these quick questions to see if you may be eligible. This is a guide only — the research team makes the final call.

Are you 18 years old or older?
Do you have rheumatoid arthritis?
Do you understand spoken and written English?
Do you have access to Wi-Fi and your own smartphone or tablet?
Are you not currently taking antibiotics or antiviral medication?

Answer every question to see your result.

What does participation involve?

The study involves using the BloodTrackR device to collect a small amount of blood from your finger at home. You will also use a companion mobile app to record your symptoms. The study will not involve taking any new medications, but will observe how well the home blood collection works compared to usual clinic visits. The total duration of your participation will be explained in detail when you consider joining, but a key focus is on the usability and accuracy of the device over a period.

Potential risks and benefits

Taking part in this study means you could help develop a new way for people with rheumatoid arthritis to monitor their health more easily from home, potentially reducing the need for clinic visits. While using the device, you might experience minor discomfort from the finger-prick blood sample, similar to other home testing devices. The researchers will explain all procedures carefully. Remember, you can choose to leave the study at any time, for any reason, without it affecting your usual medical care.

Locations (1)

Personalised Medicine Centre
Verified postcode
Londonderry, United Kingdom· Recruiting

Common questions

What is rheumatoid arthritis?

Rheumatoid arthritis is a long-term condition that causes pain, swelling, and stiffness in the joints. It's an autoimmune disease, meaning your immune system mistakenly attacks your own body tissue, particularly in the joints.

What is the BloodTrackR device?

It's a new kit designed to let you collect a small blood sample from your finger at home, along with a phone app to record your symptoms.

Why is this study important?

It could make it much easier for people with rheumatoid arthritis to monitor their condition from home, reduce clinic visits, and help doctors adjust treatments more quickly.

Will I have to pay for anything?

The study materials and device will be provided by the researchers, and you won't be expected to pay to take part.

What happens to my blood samples?

Your blood samples will be used to see if the BloodTrackR device collects good quality samples and if the results match standard blood tests.

How to find out more

Jency Rajan

j.rajan@ulster.ac.uk 00447486455613 Official trial record

Always speak to your GP or specialist before deciding to take part in a study.