Healthy Volunteers
While much of our research at Benaroya Research Institute (BRI) focuses on immune system dysfunction, understanding what a healthy immune system looks like is just as important. We often compare immune cell samples from individuals with disease to those from healthy volunteers to better understand what happens when disease develops. These comparisons allow our scientists to identify key differences in immune function, which may point to early warning signs of disease or reveal new treatment targets.
At BRI, people without immune-mediated diseases play a crucial role in our studies. Healthy volunteers help us uncover the fundamental principles of immune regulation, laying the foundation for future breakthroughs.
Healthy Volunteers Clinical Studies
- BRIAR (Benaroya Research Institute Autoimmune Registry)
By enrolling, you will provide basic health information that helps us match you to current and future studies, and you will receive periodic research updates from Benaroya Research Institute (BRI). All the information you provide will be kept confidential and participation in future studies is always voluntary.
Eligibility includes any of the following:
- a personal history of one or more autoimmune/immune-mediated condition(s)
- a healthy immune system, without any autoimmune/immune-mediated conditions
- a family history of one or more autoimmune/immune-mediated condition(s)
- Healthy Control Biorepository
BRI’s Healthy Control Biorepository is a confidential list of people with no immune system disease, who are willing to donate a blood sample and provide health information for scientific research.
Frequently Asked Questions
- How do I get started contributing to BRI research?
The best way to get started is by joining the Benaroya Research Institute Autoimmune Registry (BRIAR). BRIAR connects volunteers with research opportunities that match their interests, health history and eligibility. By enrolling in BRIAR, you may be invited to participate in surveys, biorepositories, observational studies and clinical trials as opportunities become available.
Joining BRIAR does not obligate you to participate in any future study, it simply gives researchers a snapshot of your health history. It also allows BRI researchers to contact you about research participation opportunities that may be a good fit.
You can also explore current studies through the BRI website or contact the Center for Interventional Immunology (CII) Outreach Team to learn more.
- What is the difference between a registry, a biorepository and a clinical trial?
A registry is a secure database that stores health information from volunteers who are interested in participating in research. Researchers use registries to better understand diseases at a population level and identify people who may be eligible for future studies. At Benaroya Research Institute, BRIAR is our autoimmune research registry, designed to connect interested volunteers with future research opportunities.
A biorepository is a collection of biological samples, such as blood, saliva, DNA or tissue, that researchers use to better understand health and disease. Participants may contribute samples and health information, but they do not receive an investigational treatment as part of a biorepository.
A clinical trial is a research study that evaluates a new treatment, intervention or approach to care. Clinical trials follow a specific protocol and may involve study medications, devices, procedures or additional health monitoring.
Registries, biorepositories and clinical trials are all essential to advancing medical research, but they involve different levels of participation and commitment.
- How much does it cost?
There is no cost to participate in BRI research studies. Study-related procedures and tests are provided at no charge to participants. Some studies may also offer compensation for time and travel.
The research team will review any study-specific reimbursements or compensation with you before enrollment.
- What is your patient privacy policy?
Protecting your privacy is a top priority. BRI follows strict federal, state and institutional regulations designed to safeguard participant information. Personal information is stored securely and shared only as permitted by law and approved research protocols.
Before participating, you will receive detailed information about how your data and samples will be collected, stored, used and protected. You will have the opportunity to ask questions before providing consent.
- Who do I contact with questions about participation?
The Center for Interventional Immunology (CII) Outreach Team is here to help. Whether you have questions about research opportunities, eligibility, enrollment or the participation process, our team can connect you with studies that match your interests and answer any questions you may have.
CII Outreach Team
Email: participate@benaroyaresearch.org
Phone: 206.287.5624
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