Frequently Asked Questions
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What kind of company is EMSI?
EMSI is a network of experienced medical professionals who conduct physical examinations, testing, and personal health interviews for insurance physicals and research studies. A female examiner from this company will visit you in your home or office to collect your Sister Study Kit samples and questionnaires, draw your blood, and measure your height and weight, hip and waist circumference, and blood pressure. EMSI’s web site is http://www.emsinet.com
Can someone besides the EMSI examiner draw my blood?
We prefer that you have your blood drawn by an examiner from EMSI, if at all possible. That is because their staff has been trained to follow this study’s procedures exactly. This way, all the measurements are made in the same way and the blood is drawn in the same way for all participants in the study. However, if you would like someone else to draw your blood, you can call the Sister Study office toll-free at 1-877-4SISTER and follow directions for enrolled participants to make other arrangements.
Where do I have my blood drawn ?
The EMSI examiner will call you to schedule an appointment at your home. If you prefer, you may also go to an EMSI office located in your city to have your blood drawn. Or, the visit can be scheduled at your office or some other place. When the EMSI representative calls to schedule the appointment, you can talk about these choices.
What if I don't want to have the examiner come to my home or office, but I want to have the examination some place else (someone else's home, mall, public health department, etc.)?
There are several options for you. You can go to an EMSI office in your area. When EMSI calls to set up a visit, just tell the representative what you have in mind if you would like to meet some place else. She will arrange a visit place that is most comfortable for you.
Remember that during the visit, the EMSI examiner will collect a fasting blood sample, measure your height, weight, waist, hips, blood pressure and pulse, and collect your urine sample and questionnaires. So, choose a place where you will feel comfortable having these measurements taken. When you come to the EMSI office or other location, remember to continue fasting and bring your Sister Study Kit and all of your collected samples with you. Please keep urine cool when you bring it with you.
Who will pay for the blood draw if my doctor does it?
The Sister Study will cover reasonable costs for having your blood drawn provided arrangements are worked out before you have this done. You should speak to a Sister Study staff member about making alternate arrangements to have your blood drawn. An EMSI examiner will still need to meet you at your doctor’s office to receive the blood, questionnaires, and other samples you have collected. Our staff will contact your doctor to work out the details and arrange to pay the doctor directly. Call 1-877-4SISTER (toll-free) and follow directions for enrolled participants.
What does it mean to “fast” before my blood draw?
To fast means to not have anything to eat or drink in a specified time period. In this case, we ask that you not have anything to eat or drink, except water, for the 8 hours prior to your scheduled visit for the blood draw. If you take medications, please continue to take them as you usually would.
Why do I have to fast before my blood draw and for how long?
Some of the laboratory tests we will do are easier to interpret if you have not eaten for at least 8 hours. However, not all tests require a fasting blood sample. So, if you forget to fast, we can still collect your blood sample. Be sure to let the examiner know how long it has been since you have eaten so we will know which tests we can do and how to interpret the results.
What if I have not fasted before my appointment to have my blood drawn?
It is very important to fast because some of the blood tests will not work if you have not fasted. However, we will still want to draw your blood even if you have not fasted. It is important for us to know when you last had something to eat or drink so that we can determine which tests we can do and so that we can better interpret any test results. You should be sure to let the examiner know when you last ate or drank. She will record this information for us.
What do I do if the EMSI examiner didn't show up for my appointment, or I forgot about it and wasn't at home at the scheduled time?
You may end your fast and eat. Please call EMSI as soon as possible at the special home-visit toll-free number 1-877-SIS-EXAM. Tell EMSI the date and time of your scheduled appointment so that your appointment can be rescheduled. If your examiner should arrive late and you are still willing to go through with the visit, tell the examiner that you have eaten.
What if I have a problem or complaint about the EMSI visit?
Please call us as soon as possible at the Sister Study toll-free number 1-877-4SISTER and follow the directions for enrolled participants. Tell us the problem, the time, place, and date of your appointment. We will relay your concern to EMSI and take any action that is necessary.