Research

The Libby CARD Database is part of a larger project aimed at enabling the CARD clinic to collect, maintain and disseminate medical and exposure data related to Libby amphibole asbestos disease. The CARD’s patient treatment data can then be integrated with environmental sampling information (soil, air and water) from locations in and around Libby, and blood and tissue samples donated by residents.

The second part of the project involves tracking latent and low exposure populations by integrating Libby schools student body information from 1960 forward to integrate into the database files. At the time of a healthcare visit, patients will be informed about the research activities and will have the option of giving informed consent* to be a part of research. Information that will be a part of the Libby CARD Database primarily includes things that have always been a part of patients’ medical records here at CARD. An asbestos exposure history, symptoms, personal health and family histories, all types of lung functioning studies, radiography results, and impacts of ARD on ability to function and emotions. The Libby CARD Database will be an important tool for many of the researchers we partner with, as it allows all of us to see the big picture of what is going on regarding the health effects of Libby Amphibole Asbestos.

*Informed consent is giving educated consent; e.g understanding the parameters of the research; understanding your rights as a participant and the role your information may serve. Informed consent serves as a wall dividing electronic health information from any research activities, and it is only through informed consent that a patient’s unidentified health data would be pushed through the wall to be used for research.