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Everything you need to know

Frequently Asked Questions About Clinical Trials

Clinical trials play an important role in helping advance new medicines. From payment to welfare, get answers to your most common clinical trial questions here.

About Clinical Trials

  • What are clinical trials and how do they work?

    Before a drug can be prescribed, it must go through a long testing and approval process, including clinical studies.  A clinical study is used to test new drugs (medications) and develop new uses for existing drugs. At our research clinics, we work with some of the world’s leading companies on studies to answer questions like:

    • How is a drug absorbed into the body?
    • How does one drug react to another drug?
    • How is a drug affected by food?
  • Where can I find information about current clinical studies?

    You’ll find more information when you browse our current studies. There are details about what the study involves and what type of participants we’re looking for. Or if you prefer, call us.

  • Who can participate in a clinical study and how often?

    The studies conducted at our clinics require that you are at least 18 years old. Medical eligibility requirements vary with each clinical study.

    For each clinical trial to provide the level of information needed to understand how a new medicine works, volunteers can only take part in one study at a time, usually with one month in between the end of one trial and the start of another. After that, you’re free to apply for another study.

    If you are on medication, your eligibility will depend on what medication you are taking and the clinical study design, which varies from study to study.

    If you have questions about your eligibility for a trial, please call us at 866-429-3700.

  • What are the risks and benefits of taking part in a clinical study?

    If you are interested in participating in a specific study any potential risks will be explained to you before you give your consent to participate. You will also be able to discuss any concerns you may have with a member of our medical team.

  • Are clinical trials safe?

    There are plenty of misconceptions about what happens on a clinical research study. These are just that: myths. Your safety is our number one priority. Drug development is highly regulated with strict safety and ethical guidelines and we take those regulations very seriously.

  • What types of studies happen in clinical trials?

    There are a variety of study types that are conducted at our clinics. Sometimes, a study is a combination of multiple study types. You can learn more about the types of studies we perform here.

Participating in Clinical Trials

Participating in a clinical trial is a big decision. Here’s everything you need to know about getting enrolled and preparing for a stay at our clinic.

  • Will I be paid and how will I receive my payment?

    Yes. You’ll be paid for your time and participation during the clinical study. The payment you receive varies from study to study, depending on its length and type. Payment details will be discussed with your study team at your first visit.

  • Who do I contact in regards to my 1099 Tax Form?

    For any questions relating to your 1099 Tax Form, please submit your inquiry via email at [email protected]. Thank you.

  • What is involved in participating in a clinical study?

    Our studies usually require one or more overnight stays at the research clinic, and may require multiple outpatient visits. The number of visits depends on the requirements of each study.

    When you stay at the research clinic, you will have multiple blood draws, physical exams and vital sign checks. Between procedures, you may have time to read, study, watch TV, play games, etc. Other recreational items such as a pool table, DVDs, board games and internet service are available. These items vary based on the individual clinic location.

  • What are my responsibilities as a participant?

    Depending on the type of study, there are certain conditions we may ask you to meet to ensure accurate study results. These could include restrictions on exercise, smoking, medications and alcohol. We’ll give you full details before you apply to take part in a study so you’ll always know what’s expected.

  • What if I change my mind?

    Our clinical studies are always voluntary. You are free to withdraw your consent at any time. Once you’ve already started the clinical study, our doctors may need you to come back for a visit, just to check that the drug is out of your system.

  • Will my travel and parking costs be covered?

    Travel expenses are not covered, however, each clinic does provide free parking.

  • What happens at a screening appointment?

    This is our opportunity to meet you, gather necessary information from you and perform basic screening tests. You will be screened for each study you wish to take part in as we need to make sure you are eligible on a study by study basis. On average, a screening appointment lasts 2-4 hours. Screening requirements vary with each study. You will be advised about the requirements for a particular study when you call our recruitment center at 866-429-3700.

  • Do I have to stay on-site?

    That depends on the study you're taking part in. Sometimes it's just an overnight stay with a number of follow-up visits to the clinic, but other times we may need you to stay longer to monitor the results of the medical trial.

  • Do I have to attend on set days?

    Yes. It is very important to collect information or samples at set times. In order to do this, you'll need to attend at the times and dates on the calendar given to you at screening.

  • Can my family and friends visit?

    In order to protect volunteer confidentiality we don't allow visitors during your time with us. However you are free to contact family and friends via the phone and internet.

  • Will I have to share a room?

    You will share a room with other same sex participants.

  • What can I bring with me if I am staying at the clinic?

    A complete list of items you may and may not bring with you will be provided at the screening visit. You may bring personal care items and clean clothes sufficient for the period you will be required to stay at the clinic. Footwear is to be worn at all times when you are not in bed. You may bring:

    • Comfortable clothing
    • Toiletries
    • A personal cell phone, laptop computer or tablet
    • A personal video game system
    • Books and magazines
    • Craft items

    Fortrea will not be responsible for loss or theft of personal items.

  • What is involved in an overnight stay? Do I have to stay in the clinic the whole time?

    Yes, you will need to stay with us at the clinic for the duration of your overnight stay(s). In other words, you will be at the clinic from the day of check-in until the day you check-out. The reason we keep you here is for your safety as we monitor you and perform procedures that are needed for the study, such as drawing your blood or taking your blood pressure. We provide your meals and a comfortable room to stay in while you’re here, as well as recreational items/activities and Wi-Fi so you can relax in between study procedures!

    Of course, our clinical studies are voluntary, so you are free to withdraw from the study (“withdraw consent”) at any time and for any reason. You will be compensated for the portion of the study you complete as outlined in the informed consent document you receive at your screening visit.

Protecting Your Rights and Welfare

  • How are my rights and welfare protected?

    We only use licensed medical staff and physicians to conduct our clinical studies. An independent regulatory board reviews each study including all procedures. This review is conducted to make sure the study is scientifically and ethically sound.
    This independent review board oversees the processes that we use for informing you about clinical research studies, including the following:

    • The purpose of the study
    • What happens during the study
    • Risks and benefits of study participation
    • Background information on the drug itself
    • Other studies involving the drug
  • Will my information be kept confidential?

    Our staff respects your privacy. No information will be given out about your participation and/or your medical information unless required by law. For example, the sponsor, regulatory agencies, or an independent review board may inspect your clinical research study medical records. This may include your name, address or other information that identifies you. If necessary, some or all of your records may be copied during these inspections. Because of this, absolute confidentiality cannot be guaranteed.

    The results of the clinical study may be presented at meetings or in publications. However, you will not be personally identified in any presentations or publications.

  • Where can I find independent information?

    There are a number of online resources available:

    ClinicalTrials.gov
    A registry of federally and privately supported clinical trials conducted in the United States and around the world.

    CenterWatch.com
    This site provides an extensive list of clinical trials being conducted internationally. The website also lists promising therapies newly approved by the Food and Drug Association (FDA).

    CISCRP.org
    The Center for Information and Study on Clinical Research Participation (CISCRP) is a nonprofit organization dedicated to educating and informing the public, patients, medical/research communities, the media and policy makers about clinical research participation.

More Questions?

Call us directly at 866-429-3700.