TransRIHTS – Trans & Non-binary Reference Intervals while on Hormone Therapy Study

What is the purpose of the study?

The TransRIHTS  study is finding out the normal results for common blood tests in trans and non-binary people who are taking hormone therapy. These normal results are also called “reference intervals”. Finding these out may allow doctors to diagnose diseases more accurately.

Can I take part?

You can take part if you are trans or non-binary, aged 18 or older, you have been taking hormone therapy for 12 months or more, and you need hormone therapy monitoring.

People who have been diagnosed with any of the following conditions cannot take part:

• Diabetes
• Liver disease
• Kidney disease
• Heart disease

How do I take part?

Please email devon.buchanan@nhs.net, who will organise an appointment to take part.

What will happen to me if I take part?

If you want to take part, we will ask you to complete a questionnaire about your hormone therapy and your health. We will measure your height and weight, and we will also ask you to collect a urine sample. Then your appointment will be the same as it is normally. The results of your hormone therapy monitoring blood tests from that appointment will be used for the study, and the lab will also perform some extra blood tests. You will receive an email with the results of your hormone therapy monitoring and the extra tests.

Is there a payment for taking part?

We can reimburse you for any money you spend to take part, for example the cost of travelling to the clinic, so keep your receipts! We can reimburse up to £15. We started reimbursing participants on 24 January 2023, but if you took part before then, you can still ask to be reimbursed by emailing devon.buchanan@nhs.net.

Where can I find more information?

Please read the participant information sheet, if you want more information about the study. If you still have questions, contact Devon Buchanan (Senior Clinical Scientist) at devon.buchanan@nhs.net. They are one of the staff organising the study.