1322A pilot study of faecal sample collection from prospective cohort study participants
Abstract Background Faecal specimens offer a relatively accessible means of assessing the gut microbial community. We conducted a pilot study to compare the feasibility of different protocols for self-collection of faecal specimens from Australian Breakthrough Cancer (ABC) Study participants. Methods Pilot study participants were randomly selected from ABC Study participants who had not yet been invited to participate in follow-up. All pilot study participants were asked to provide a faecal sample using FOBT cards and complete a ‘day of sample’ questionnaire. Participants were randomised to 1 of 4 groups defined by combination of (i) a request (or not) to also provide a faecal sample using a tube containing 2.5ml of 95% ethanol and (ii) a request (or not) to complete a food frequency questionnaire. Results 1,136 ABC Study participants were invited to participate in the pilot study. Of the 56% that opted in, 88% returned the requested sample. Very few participants (5%) actively opted out. Overall, 49% of invited participants returned a sample. There was no statistically significant difference between the groups in the percentage of participants who completed the pilot study. Conclusions The pilot study demonstrated the feasibility of self-collection of faecal samples. Increasing the time commitment and complexity (through provision of an additional sample suspended in ethanol and a FFQ) did not reduce the likelihood of successful completion. Key messages The findings demonstrate the feasibility of collecting faecal samples both on an FOBT card and in a tube containing ethanol, and a lengthy FFQ, within a prospective cohort study.