TREASURE Study

The West of Scotland Research Ethics Service approved the TREASURE study on 4 August 2025 under REC reference 25/WS/0079. A 90% successful self-swabbing rate is the predefined green-light criterion for progression to a full randomised trial. The study will recruit 40 adults who have undergone cardiac surgery via median sternotomy across two UK cardiac centres. Follow-up occurs at 30 days post-operation, with wounds assessed using the UKHSA wound monitoring questionnaire and digital image review. TREASURE is a non-randomised feasibility study combining quantitative process measures, patient qualitative interviews, staff stakeholder interviews and early health economic modelling. Participants receive £40 for their time and £5 toward internet costs, paid as a bank transfer or Amazon voucher. The primary feasibility outcome is the proportion of patients who successfully complete self-swabbing, comply with instructions, generate usable culture swabs, have samples received by the laboratory within 24 hours and have samples suitable for processing.