Western Australians can now join the fight against long COVID
In a major boost for more than 600,000 Australians battling long COVID and myalgic encephalomyelitis/chronic fatigue syndrome (ME/CFS), the AusME Biobank has officially landed in the West.
In collaboration with Edith Cowan University's Centre for Precision Health (CPH) and led by Emerge Australia, the AusME Biobank is collecting blood samples and detailed health data to support world-class research, putting Western Australia firmly on the frontline.
"This is huge for Western Australia. We're not just joining the national effort, we're helping drive it," ECU's CPH Director, Professor Simon Laws said.
"Every sample we collect here in Perth puts us closer to real answers."
The urgency for answers is growing. New research suggests the conditions are linked and up to half of those suffering long COVID go on to develop symptoms of ME/CFS, a chronic neurological condition that can severely impact quality of life.
From Alkimos to Mandurah, the first Western Australian participants have already taken part at 17 metro locations, marking a major milestone in building a national picture of these complex conditions.
"That's how you get meaningful discoveries, by building as much evidence from as many different experiences as possible," ECU researcher Dr Christopher Latella said.
The move comes as the ongoing impact of long COVID becomes clearer, with studies linking the condition to symptoms including crushing fatigue, and brain fog to dizziness, breathing issues and heart complications.
It's also been associated with a range of other serious health conditions, including heart disease, anxiety, stroke and autoimmune disorders.
"Combining patient health data and blood samples strengthens the related work taking place in the Centre," Dr Latella said.
"We hope to use the biobank to connect the dots between biological, neurological and patient symptoms."
Emerge Australia welcomes ECU's involvement as an important expansion of the national platform.
"By ensuring Western Australian experiences are represented, we're strengthening the national research into long COVID and ME/CFS, which may contribute to improved diagnosis, treatment and care," Emerge Australia's Research Manager, Dr Michelle Tavoletti said.
Healthy volunteers may also play an important role with comparison samples helping researchers identify biological differences.
Organisers are emphasising that taking part in the AusME is simple and flexible. Anyone aged 12 and over can sign up with just an email address.
Blood Donation Centres:
- Alkimos: Alkimos Family Practice
- Joondalup: Specialist Medical Centre East
- Craigie: Primary Medical Centre
- Clarkson: Ebb Way Pathology Collection Centre
- Girrawheen: Newpark Medical Centre
- Wanneroo: Brookside Medical
- Perth: Mount Hospital
- West Perth: Western Haematology & Oncology
- South Perth: Mends Street Family Practice
- Midland: Western Diagnostic Pathology
- South Fremantle: Ellen Health South Fremantle
- Cannington: Cannington Medical and Dental Centre
- Gosnells: Pramana Medical Centre
- Jandakot: Sabre Crescent Pathology
- Armadale: Armadale Districts Surgery
- Rockingham: Hunsdon House
- Mandurah: Peel Health Campus
