NCT04448145 · Columbia University
Determinants of SARS (Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome)-COV2 (COVID-19) Persistence After Convalescence
(C-PIC)
What this study is about
The 2019-2020 COVID-19 pandemic is the largest outbreak in recent history. It is not known how long after someone gets sick with COVID-19 and recovers that they can still infect other people. It is also not known how quickly people make antibodies against the virus, which help clear infection from the body.
View original scientific description
The 2019-2020 COVID-19 pandemic is the largest outbreak in recent history. It is not known how long after someone gets sick with COVID-19 and recovers that they can still infect other people. It is also not known how quickly people make antibodies against the virus, which help clear infection from the body. The investigators will enroll 300 people who had COVID-19 based on lab testing or confirmed exposure to participate. An additional 25 participants who have never tested positive for COVID and have not had the vaccine will be enrolled as negative controls. Participants will complete a survey at enrollment. The investigators will also collect blood, nose swab, saliva, stool, semen, and breast milk to test for the virus. The investigators will ask participants to complete a survey and give specimens up to 12 times over 24 months. This information will be used to study how long the virus can live in different parts of the body, antibody development, and post-infectious complications. The investigators hope that this information will allow medical and public health providers to make recommendations to better care for patients in the convalescent phase of COVID-19 infection.
Primary outcome measures
Duration of SARS-CoV-2 viral persistence in naso/oropharyngeal samples
Time frame: Up to 96 weeks
Duration of SARS-CoV-2 viral persistence defined as the number of days from symptom onset to the most recent positive SARS-CoV-2 PCR naso/oropharyngeal test, as determined by the established cycle threshold cut-off on a validated real-time quantitative reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR) assay.
Duration of SARS-CoV-2 viral persistence in stool or rectal swab samples
Time frame: Up to 96 weeks
Duration of SARS-CoV-2 viral persistence defined as the number of days from symptom onset to the most recent positive SARS-CoV-2 PCR stool or rectal swab samples, as determined by the established cycle threshold cut-off on a validated qRT-PCR assay.
Duration of SARS-CoV-2 viral persistence in semen samples
Time frame: Up to 96 weeks
Duration of SARS-CoV-2 viral persistence defined as the number of days from symptom onset to the most recent positive SARS-CoV-2 PCR semen sample, as determined by the established cycle threshold cut-off on a validated qRT-PCR assay.
Duration of SARS-CoV-2 viral persistence in breast milk samples
Time frame: Up to 96 weeks
Duration of SARS-CoV-2 viral persistence defined as the number of days from symptom onset to the most recent positive SARS-CoV-2 PCR breast milk sample, as determined by the established cycle threshold cut-off on a validated qRT-PCR assay.
Prevalence of cell immune responses
Time frame: Up to 96 Weeks
Prevalence defined as the number of participants with B cell, cluster of differentiation 4 (CD4), cluster of differentiation 8 (CD8), natural killer (NK), and natural killer T (NKT) cell immune responses. Plasma will be used for evaluation of neutralizing and binding antibody titers to SARS-CoV-2.
Duration of COVID-19 Symptoms
Time frame: Up to 96 weeks
The duration, in weeks, of COVID-19 symptoms as assessed by a symptom survey. Participants will complete health surveys at each study visit that include questions regarding COVID-19 symptoms, in addition to general health questions.
Prevalence of post-viral sequelae
Time frame: Up to 96 weeks
Prevalence defined as the number of participants that develop post-viral sequelae as assessed by a symptom survey. Participants will complete health surveys at each study visit that include questions regarding COVID-19 symptoms, in addition to general health questions.
Prevalence of SARS-CoV-2 persistence and bacterial/viral community structures
Time frame: Up to 96 weeks
Prevalence defined as the number of participants with SARS-CoV-2 persistence and bacterial/viral community structures.
Who can participate
This study lists these criteria on ClinicalTrials.gov. A study coordinator reviews eligibility during screening — this page does not determine whether you qualify.
Inclusion criteria
- Laboratory confirmed SARS-CoV-2 using currently available laboratory testing techniques (e.g.,RT-PCR, Immunoglobulin M (IgM) /IgG) or clinical history compatible with a COVID-19 like illness(fever, cough, shortness of breath).
- Negative participants with no known prior COVID-19 diagnosis or COVID vaccine
- At least 7 years of age
- Participants are eligible to provide semen and breast milk samples if they are 18 years of age or older
Exclusion criteria
- Intercurrent conditions that in the opinion of the investigator would confound the findings of the study.
Where
- New York, New York
Related conditions & keywords
Frequently asked questions
What is a clinical trial?
A clinical trial is a research study that tests new medical treatments, drugs, devices, or procedures to determine their safety and effectiveness. Trials are carefully designed and monitored to protect participants while advancing medical knowledge.
Is it safe to participate?
Clinical trials follow strict safety guidelines and ethical standards. Trials must be reviewed and approved, and participants are closely monitored by medical professionals throughout the study. You can withdraw at any time if you choose.
Will I be compensated?
Many clinical trials offer compensation for your time, travel expenses, and inconvenience. The specific compensation varies by study and will be discussed during the screening process. All study-related medical care is typically provided at no cost to participants.
Will I receive a placebo instead of treatment?
When effective treatment exists, participants typically receive either the standard treatment plus the study intervention, or the standard treatment plus placebo. You would not be denied effective care. Placebos are primarily used when no proven treatment is available, or in addition to standard care. Your trial consent form will clearly explain what treatments you may receive.
Can I leave a trial if I change my mind?
Absolutely. Participation in clinical trials is completely voluntary. You have the right to withdraw from the study at any time, for any reason, without penalty or loss of benefits to which you are otherwise entitled.
How long does a clinical trial last?
Trial duration varies widely depending on the study design and purpose. Some trials last just a few weeks, while others may continue for months or years. The study coordinator will provide specific timeline information during your screening call.
Data: ClinicalTrials.gov · synced Nov 5, 2025 · Source of record for eligibility and locations