ORIGINS is following 10,000 WA families, from conception through early childhood and beyond, using biological samples and data to develop more targeted, effective health interventions and give children the healthiest start to life.
Pregnant mothers were recruited from Joondalup Health Campus where they completed a series of prenatal web-based questionnaires and provided biological samples including blood, saliva and a buccal (cheek) swab.
At birth, cord blood, placenta, colostrum and meconium was collected from the newborns alongside a body fat composition scan in the PEA POD, a non-invasive measurement conducted in a capsule. Various information was also collected about the delivery of our participants, including the newborns name, sex, birth weight, length, and head circumference.
Throughout the first year of life and into early childhood, our participants are invited to complete yearly web-based questionnaires and attend a 90-minute Kids Check appointment at one, three, five and eight years of age.
Kids Check appointments include allergy testing, biological sample collection and a body fat scan in the BOD POD.
ORIGINS findings and contributions to the health of families everywhere could not be possible without our valued participants and we thank each and every child, parent, sibling and grandparent that has contributed to life saving research helping all families flourish.
All samples and requirements that are mentioned above are voluntary contributions to the research project. Participants are within their rights to refuse any collections according to their values or needs. We respect the wishes of all of our ORIGINS families and can provide further information or guidance at any time throughout the ORIGINS journey.