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Before you Get Started
Before volunteering for medical research, carefully consider the implications and just how far you are willing to take it:
- There are many test that are harmless, and then there are others which are not. In some cases, you may be testing new and untested drugs, while other tests may involve putting your body under stressful situations.
- You will have to sign a consent form, detailing the risks and possible side effects.
- You may be required to go through a series of questions and take some physical health tests to determine your eligibility for certain clinical trials.
- Many tests will involve taking blood samples
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The Pay
How much money you make to take part in medical research, varies hugely depending on the type of research you are participating in. If you are just answering a questionnaire, then you could potentially earn $20 if you’re lucky. If it involves some type of examination or test that takes an hour or so, then it may be $100 to $200. An overnight stay could make you up to $300, and a months stay could earn you up to $4000. The general rule of thumb is the more you earn againts the amount of time involved, the more risky the trial is. If the research is offering $1000 per day to try a new drug, this would probably be because of some safety concerns and a high risk factor. |
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When Choosing a Study
- When choosing a clinical trial to take part in, you have two main options. First, you can participate in medical research to treat a specific medical condition that you may already have, or, if you don’t have any pre-existing conditions, you can join a general study. In both cases, it is possible that you will need a referral from a physician.
- Look for studies that are overseen by the FDA, as they strictly regulate all medical research sessions to ensure transparency for you, the subject. This way you can be assured that you know all the possible risks.
- Most importantly, be aware that if you feel uneasy during a study and wish to stop, you have the right to do so at any time, although you will be forfeiting the payment.
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How to Find Clinical Trials
- Ask your physician. They may be able to direct you to some local medical research programs.
- Look on hospital bulletin boards.
- Check at a nearby college campus. Many medical researchers know that this is a hotspot for potential “human guinea pigs”.
- Newspaper classified ads.
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- Contact pharmaceutical companies. Be aware that studies found here will most likely involve testing new drugs.
- Check the Internet by simply doing a Google search for, “Clinical Trials” or “Medical Research.” You can also search hospital websites and see if they have any sections regarding clinical trials.
- In number five, you will find a list of online directories that will help you to find clinical trials in your area.
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Resources
Here are some useful links to help you find paid clinical trials:
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There really is only one reason why most people would want to become a “human guinea pig,” and that reason is cold hard cash.By taking part in clinical trials, you are allowing yourself to be experimented on, you could potentially putting yourself at risk. Of course, some trials are riskier than others, and you do have the luxury of being able to choose which ones you want to do. Then, there is also that incentive of receiving a tidy sum of money for a relatively small amount of work.