Thoughts from a Lab Rat

I have heard many people talk about how they are ashamed of doing clinical research studies for money. Nothing more than whoring for money. Well, the fact is that new drugs cannot make it to the market unless they are tested rigorously on humans first. There should be nothing to be ashamed of. You are helping drugs get through the pipeline so people with ailments and diseases can live a better life. If anything, you are a hero. A silent hero who nobody knows but a hero nonetheless. Without research subjects, there would be no new drugs. So be proud of what you do! Tell your friends, parents and anyone else you meet that your Just Another Lab Rat! Well, you don’t have to say that, but that you participate in medical research studies which tests new medications. Or that you work in a lab. And their like, so you’re some kind of scientist?

You’ve finished the study and you find that volunteering for clinical research is all right in your book. So now you want to do another study. All clinics have a minimum wash out period of 30 days, however, sometimes you can sign up and screen for another study within that period. This is not always true and depends on two factors. 1. The clinic. Some clinics base the washout from the last does and some base it on the last participation date ie out patient. 2. The sponsor. Some drug companies will specifically request that participants have not participated in a study in the last 30 prior to signing up. So basically, Once you get out of a study and are completely done with everything, look for upcoming studies that start after your 30 days and sign up. Sometimes you won’t be able to but the clinic will usually tell you why.

It’s easy to get excited about making lots of money from a study. But don’t start spending the money until you know you’ll get it. Screening for a study doesn’t guarantee that you’ll get into it. There are many reasons that can cause you not to get into a study. Once you check into the study, there still is a chance that you may not actually get into the study. Once you take the first dose of study medication, then you are in the study.

Seriously, think about it!