Specimen Collection Study for Development and Validation of Laboratory Procedures

Study Overview
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Brief Summary
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Biologic samples are necessary for development and validation of laboratory procedures (e.g. novel biological and analytical assays, explant tissue models, validation of specimen collection and transport) to support future infectious disease clinical studies. In this research study, the investigators will collect blood samples, vaginal swabs, cervical swabs, mucus/vaginal discharge, cervicovaginal lavages, vaginal and cervical biopsies, as necessary, to use in the development of laboratory processes. The investigators will obtain the sample(s) from healthy HIV negative women. Samples will be collected and sent to Magee-Womens Research Institute as laboratory specimens are needed.

Official Title
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Collection of Biological Specimens for Development and Validation of Laboratory Procedures to Support Future Clinical Research Studies

Conditions
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Laboratory Procedure Development and Validation

Intervention / Treatment
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* Other: no intervention


Participation Criteria
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Eligibility Criteria
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Inclusion Criteria: Control Group (post-menopausal) Inclusion: Females, age greater than 50 years Non-pregnant Post-menopausal defined as no menses or vaginal bleeding for at least 1 year Agree to have HIV testing or have documentation of a negative HIV test result within the past 6 months. Free from participant report and clinician observed abnormal discharge or other vaginal symptoms (with the exception of vaginal dryness) on the day of genital sample collection. Willing and able to provide written informed consent. Willing to provide contact information for receipt of laboratory results, as applicable. Reproductive-aged Group Inclusion Criteria: Females, 18-45 years of age Non-pregnant Agree to have HIV testing or have documentation of a negative HIV test result within the past 6 months. Free from participant reports and clinician observed abnormal vaginal discharge or other current vaginal symptoms on the day of genital sample collection. Willing and able to provide written informed consent. Willing to provide contact information for receipt of laboratory results, as applicable. Participant meets requirements of specific laboratory study needs (e.g. birth control method and length of use) Exclusion Criteria: Control Group (post-menopausal) Exclusion Criteria: Use of hormone replacement therapy, including oral, vaginal and transdermal. Hysterectomy. An active urogenital infection within the past 14 days, including: Vaginal infections (symptomatic candidiasis, trichomonas vaginalis, and bacterial vaginosis). Cervical infections (Gonorrhea (GC), Chlamydia (CT) or mucopurulent cervicitis (MPC)). Syphilis HSV/Genital Warts Urinary Tract Infection Recent exposure to a partner with GC, CT, trichomonas, syphilis, non-gonococcal urethritis, or HIV. Use of systemic or vaginal antibiotics or antifungals 14 days prior to genital sample collection. Participation in a microbicide or other vaginal product study within one month of genital sample collection. Use of a spermicide or spermicidally lubricated condom within one week prior to genital sample collection. Use of an internal vaginal device or product with the exception of tampons within one week of genital sample collection. Any other condition in the opinion of the site investigator would preclude provision of informed consent, make participation in the study unsafe, complicate interpretation of study outcome data or otherwise interfere with achieving study objectives. Reproductive-aged Group Exclusion Criteria: Menopausal (including natural menopause defined as lack of menses for 12 consecutive months, in the absence of pregnancy, and surgical menopause defined as a woman who has had both ovaries removed). Currently pregnant (or has been pregnant within the past 90 days) or breastfeeding Hysterectomy. Use of a diaphragm or NuvaRing for contraception or use of spermicide for primary contraception. An active urogenital infection within the past 14 days, including: Vaginal infections (symptomatic candidiasis, Trichomonas vaginalis and bacterial vaginosis). Cervical infections (Gonorrhea (GC), Chlamydia (CT) or Mucopurulent cervicitis (MPC). Syphilis HSV/Genital Warts Urinary Tract Infection Recent exposure to a partner with GC, CT, Trichomonas, syphilis, Non-gonococcal urethritis or HIV. Use of systemic or vaginal antibiotics or antifungals 14 days prior to genital sample collection. Participation in a microbicide and/or contraceptive study within one month of genital sample collection. Use of a spermicide or spermicidally lubricated condom within one week prior to genital sample collection. Use of an internal vaginal device or product with the exception of tampons within one week of genital sample collection. Any other condition in the opinion of the site investigator would preclude provision of informed consent, make participation in the study unsafe, complicate interpretation of study outcome data or otherwise interfere with achieving the study objectives.

Ages Eligible for Study
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Minimum Age: 18 Years

Sexes Eligible for Study
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Female

Accepts Healthy Volunteers
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Accepts Healthy Volunteers

Study Plan
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How is the study designed?
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Arms and Interventions

| Participant Group/Arm | Intervention/Treatment |
| --- | --- |
| HIV-negative women<br>HIV-negative women who agree to have specimens collected for validation of laboratory procedures | Other: no intervention<br>* not applicable-no intervention<br>|

What is the study measuring?
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Primary Outcome Measures

| Outcome Measure | Measure Description | Time Frame |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Validation of Laboratory Procedures | The primary aim of this study is to collect an adequate number of biological samples, as needed by investigators, to support development and validation of laboratory procedures necessary for upcoming topical microbicide and infectious disease research clinical trials. | up to 5 years |