Frequently Asked Questions

Please click on the question below to view the corresponding answer.

DBS Test Kits

How should I store the DBS kits?
We will provide a "container" for you to store your kits. You should keep the container in a cool dry place, where the test kit materials will not get wet or overheated.
How will I get new DBS kits once I finish the ones I have?
You will receive a package with new kits every 6 months.
What does a completed DBS kit look like?
You will want the blood drops to spread out completely to the edges of the fan form. It will take about one minute for the blood drops to spread out from the center hole.
WHAT HAPPENS IF I LOSE A DBS KIT OR IF I ACCIDENTALLY MESS UP WHILE TRYING TO TAKE A SAMPLE?
You can reach out to us and we will try to send you a new kit ASAP so you can complete your kit before the window closes. If you have another kit left, you can use it instead as it is possible that the window to complete your test kit might close before we are able to send you a replacement kit.
HOW SOON AFTER COLLECTING MY SAMPLE SHOULD I MAIL BACK MY TEST KIT?
We would like you to mail back your test kit as soon as you collect the sample and complete your DBS test kit registration on your status homepage. If you are unable to send it out immediately, keep it in a cool dry place until you are able to place it in the mail.
CAN I SEE MY VIRAL LOAD TEST RESULTS? WHAT ABOUT FOR STI RESULTS IF I CHOOSE TO DO THEM?
We will be providing the results to the DBS test kits you completed every twelve months (annually). Essentially, you will receive your DBS test kit results twice over the course of your participation in our study. If you choose to complete STI samples, you will receive your results about two weeks after we receive the samples. ​

Study Homepage and Tasks

How will I know when I have a new task to do?
After you enroll in the study, you can go to your study status homepage to find out when tasks will become available. We will also send you reminders via text, email, or a call to let you know that a new task is available on your homepage.
You can always reference the study calendar to see an overview of all the UniquelyU tasks for the first year of the study!
On the homepage, how will I know which tasks I can complete and which I cannot?
Tasks that are available for you to complete are displayed in red text and include a survey link. Tasks that you have completed will appear in black. Future tasks will appear in black until they become available for you to complete.
What happens if I am unable to complete a task within the available window? Can I do it later?
Once a task window closes you cannot complete the task. We understand that sometimes there are extenuating circumstances that might prevent you from completing a task. Don't worry! This will not affect your ability to complete future tasks.

Online Medication Check-Ins

What is the purpose of the medication check-ins?
We ask you to complete medication check-ins to get a sense of how readily you are taking medication.
What happens if I don't have a prescription or any pills remaining in my prescription?
Don't worry! You can let us know that you don't have a current prescription or remaining pills in the medication survey. Once you let us know, you won't receive additional reminder.s
When I complete my medication check-in, does the number of pills i have affect my ability to continue in this study?
Not at all! This will not impact your ability to participate in our study.
What if I get a new prescription or refill?
Great! You will be able to complete future medication check-ins once you have a new prescription or refill. One month after we receive your very first test kit, you will be able to see when you can complete the next medication check-in. 

Compensation

What are my options for receiving compensation?
As described in your consent, you will have the option to receive your UniquelyU compensation for each task as a gift card from either Amazon or TangoCard, neither of which expire. TangoCard gift cards can be redeemed from a wide selection of vendors. For instance, you can redeem a $20 TangoCard to receive a $20 Target e-gift card (click here to review their catalog). Amazon gift cards can only be redeemed for items on the Amazon.com website or certain affiliated websites. Please refer back to your consent (you can click the link at the bottom of this page) ​to see the study's full compensation schedule.
How will I know how much I have earned for completing a task?
Once you complete a task, your study status homepage will display the amount you have earned for that specific task. You can expect to receive the gift card by email within a few days of completing this task.
How do I get my bonus compensation?
You will receive a bonus for completing at least 5 DBS samples within a six month window. This bonus will also be in the form of the gift card you have chosen.
Is it possible for me to combine gift cards that I receive?
Absolutely! Both the Amazon and TangoCard websites allow you to combine your gift cards. As a reminder, your gift cards will never expire.

Online Care Check-ins

What if my scheduled visit with my HIV care provider hasn't happened yet?
You will have one month to complete your online care check-in after it becomes available on your study status homepage. If you have an appointment scheduled within that time period, please feel free to complete this task after your appointment and once you receive your test results.
What if the survey link is no longer available once I get my test results back?
You can reach out to us by text or email. Depending on when your window closed, we may be able to send you a new link to upload these results, or we might ask you to wait until your next Online Care Check-In becomes available.
Please don't hesitate to reach out if you have additional questions or concerns! You can reach us by email at uniquelyu@prideresearch.org or by text at 1-929-266-6397.
​As our office is closed due to COVID, we are not able to receive calls at this time. A staff member will reach out to you by the next business day.