Texas Tech University

Human Subject Research Guidelines During COVID-19

For more information about research during COVID-19, click here. 

Research participants should be managed remotely whenever possible. If participants require in-person contact, the PI is responsible for providing this service in the safest way possible, based on good clinical practice and optimal social distancing.

Research Team

  • Identify research personnel essential to conducting the research
    • Only have those needed to perform a procedure present
  • Limit gatherings to no more than 10 people
    • Laboratory research should be conducted within this constraint
    • Enhanced hygiene and social distancing practices
  • Researchers are advised to stay home if they are ill or are exhibiting COVID-19 symptoms
  • Laboratory research staff should continue to follow universal precautions and wear appropriate personal protective equipment (i.e. disposable gloves, laboratory coat/gown, masks, eye protection, etc.)
  • Any researcher exposed to anyone exhibiting COVID-19 symptoms must self-isolate for 14 days
  • Data collection that can be done virtually is highly encouraged
  • Researchers must follow TTU, State, and Federal Guidelines
    • Research must follow the location/entity's guidelines where the research will be conducted. (For example, if a school district is not allowing their administrators, teachers, and/or students to have face-to-face contact then the researcher does not have permission to conduct their research face-to-face in any location.)
  • Research participation that is in-person should keep at least six feet apart or have a glass barrier when talking with the research participant

Participants

  • Pre-Screening Questionnaire (Includes parent/legal guardian accompanying the minor)
    • Via telephone
    • On arrival
  • Encourage participant to wear a mask or provide the participant with a mask on arrival
  • Sanitize lab and equipment after participant leaves
  • Restrict entrance of unnecessary visitors
  • Participant will wait in their car or outside of the building until the researcher notifies them to enter the facilities
  • One participant during research visit(s) or participants must remain 6 feet away from each other

DSHS Guidelines

  • Wash hands often for 20 seconds and encourage others to do the same.
  • If no soap and water are available, use hand sanitizer with at least 60% alcohol.
  • Cover coughs and sneezes with a tissue, then throw the tissue away.
  • Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth with unwashed hands.
  • Disinfect surfaces, buttons, handles, knobs, and other places touched often.
  • Avoid close contact with people who are sick.
  • Maintain Social Distancing and staying six feet away from others.