Analysis Methods 1 - Nasal Mucus
Research type
Research Study
Full title
Qualitative and Chemical Analyis of Nasal Mucus
IRAS ID
154619
Contact name
David Hill
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
University of Liverpool
Duration of Study in the UK
3 years, 0 months, 1 days
Research summary
The research question we wish to investigate is the concentration of inorganic metallic cations (i.e. calcium, magnesium, copper etc) in normal nasal mucus, prior to a later similar research project in patients with nasal disease. These cations can determine the virulence of commensal bacteria, i.e. Staph aureus, but the subject of the inorganic chemistry of nasal mucus is little studied.
We have optimised a convenient and safe way of collecting nasal mucus, and plan to use normal volunteers, such as students and hospital workers. We will collect samples in a tested process using cotton wool, and then freeze these samples, and store in a freezer in Ysbyty Gwynedd. These samples will then be defrosted in batches of 6 or 8, transferred to the School of Chemistry, and processed to yield solubilised samples of mucus which are then analysed in an acid environment ('Acid Analyser Chromatography'). This process will result in the elimination of any viral biohazard, with simple disposal of the end material in a bleach bin.
Once these objectives have been achieved we will seek to investigate patients who have true nasal pathology, in a different project.
REC name
Wales REC 5
REC reference
17/WA/0190
Date of REC Opinion
18 Jul 2017
REC opinion
Further Information Favourable Opinion