NCT07781501 · University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill
Long-Term Study of COVID-19 Infection and Long COVID
(PASC)
What this study is about
This study will examine how common Long COVID is and how symptoms may persist over time in people who have previously had COVID-19. Researchers will collect information about participants' health and symptoms through questionnaires and may collect saliva and other non-invasive taken by mouth samples.
View original scientific description
This study will examine how common Long COVID is and how symptoms may persist over time in people who have previously had COVID-19. Researchers will collect information about participants' health and symptoms through questionnaires and may collect saliva and other non-invasive oral samples. The study will also examine biological factors in these samples that may be associated with persistent symptoms. The goal is to better understand why some people develop Long COVID and identify factors that may help predict who is more likely to experience persistent symptoms.
Interventions
OTHER
This study is observational. Only patients who have previously tested positive for SARS-CoV-2 infection or are experiencing ongoing symptoms.
Other:
Primary outcome measures
Salivary Proteomic Profile
Time frame: During active infection through three months post infection
Unbiased and untargeted mass spectrometric analysis of saliva proteins to obtain a specific proteomic profile
Salivary Metabolomic Profile
Time frame: During active infection through three months post infection
Unbiased and untargeted mass spectrometric analysis of saliva metabolites to obtain a specific metabolomic profile
Validated Health Questionnaires: SBQ-LC (Symptom Burden Questionnaire - Long COVID)
Time frame: During active infection through three months post infection
This instrument assesses PASC-related symptom burden following COVID-19 infection. Scoring: 0- None, 1- Mild, 2- Moderate, 3-Severe - Higher score reflects greater severity.
Validated Health Questionnaire: C19-YRS (COVID-19 Yorkshire Rehabilitation Scale)
Time frame: During active infection through three months post infection
This instrument assesses the long-term physical, cognitive, and psychological outcomes following COVID-19 infection. Scoring: 0-10 numerical scale; a higher score reflects greater severity.
Validated Health Questionnaire: EFTER-COVID survey
Time frame: During active infection through three months post infection
This instrument assesses the long-term physical, cognitive, and psychological outcomes following COVID-19 infection. EFTER is not an abbreviation; it is the name of the survey, and it is the Danish word for "After" Scoring: Yes/No - Higher score reflects More affected.
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
- Age 18 to 75 years.
- Previous laboratory-confirmed SARS-CoV-2 infection.
- Willing and able to provide informed consent.
- Able to complete study questionnaires and study procedures.
Exclusion criteria
- Current severe periodontal disease with bleeding gums.
- Current oral herpes flare, aphthous ulcer, or oral candidiasis (thrush).
- Oral viral or bacterial infection within the previous 30 days.
- Dry mouth that would prevent adequate saliva collection.
- Active alcohol or drug abuse.
- Medical or genetic syndrome or developmental delay that would prevent completion of study procedures or questionnaires.
Where
- Chapel Hill, North Carolina
Collaborators
National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research (NIDCR)
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 Aug 24, 2026 · Source of record for eligibility and locations