Thoughts from a Lab Rat

Every year clinical research is different for each volunteer. While some volunteers have had exceptionally good fortune, some volunteers couldn’t get into a study if the only requirement was to show up. Every study is different for me. Sometimes I have no problems for 3 or 4 studies then all of a sudden it takes 3 or 4 tries to get into one. I often tell people that with all the things clinics test you for; it’s a miracle that everything is ever within range.

I’m well into my fifth year now and will give now give you the “8 Most Compelling Reasons” to participate in a clinical research study.

8. You get 4 weeks off between each study. Try getting that from any employer!

7. You get paid to take drugs! Okay, not the most enjoyable drugs but hey!

6. You don’t have to cook, do the dishes, clean the house or any other chores.

5. While it may be like jail, 3 hots and a cot, you also get a check.

4. Where else can you sit around and watch TV, movies and surf the internet all day and get paid for it?

3. It’s sort of like a mini vacation. You get to see something new, eat different foods and you don’t get stuck with a bill at the end. Unfortunately, you do get stuck with needles throughout.

2. It’s like a social networking website, but in person!

1. Instead of helping a few people, you’re helping millions of people who suffer from all sorts of ailments.

Economic Slowdown

Well, as most are no doubt aware, there is a major economic slowdown in the US and around the world. This has effected nearly every industry and of course the pharmaceutical industry which in turn affects the contract research industry are no different. So, long story short, there are significantly fewer studies available than the same period last year and a larger audience of eager volunteers clamoring for the few slots available. Don’t panic! As the economic climate improves, so will our industry thus increasing the amount of studies available. Hang in there. Sometimes you have to do a smaller study to make ends meet. You won’t always be able to get five k studies. In fact, it’s been a long while since I’ve done one. Anyhoo, don’t forget the ultimate reason why we do studies. To help make the world a better place. People will always need medications so our industry will weather the storm.

While the best part of doing a study may be getting a check, it’s not always easy to get there. Sometimes it may take two or three tries to get into a study. Sometimes it may take weeks or months to get into a study. While people can and do make a living, there are often lean times and points where things seem to fall apart at the worst possible time. Unfortunately, clinics only base their decisions to enroll volunteers on lab results and the predetermined methodology of placing qualified candidates into the study. It’s similar to a slot machine where it has no memory of previous studies or how long it’s been since you’ve done one. Sometimes you just have to be patient. Many people have part-time or full time jobs to keep them busy during the antics of finding a study. I get lots of work off craigslist and sometimes through local labor agencies. It’s important to keep busy and not dwell on how long it takes.

It happens a lot. Even I get disqualified occasionally. But a good 20% of disqualifications are for out-of-range blood pressure. Every study has certain ranges that everything must fall into. The blood pressure ranges are usually 90/50 to 140/90. The first number is systolic and the second number is diastolic. The pulse is usually 40 to 50 over 90. For a detailed explanation of blood pressure, click here for the wikipedia entry. Certain studies may have lower or higher cut-offs depending on the sponsor requirements.

There is a lot of talk about the machines that some clinics use, being poorly calibrated because the only time they have out-of-range blood pressure is when they use that machine. While it is true that machine measurement is not the most accurate method, it is considered clinically reliable, hence why they are used. However, most people who get disqualified are are only a few points over or under which is not clinically significant. I have a problem with getting stressed out. I mean hey, I trying to get into a study so my stress level is high. Once I get into a study and my mind knows this, my blood pressure is normal, middle range. It’s only at screenings and check-in.

There are a few tips to help improve your blood pressure. First of all, make sure you use your bare arm. Sleeves can give abnormal results. Breath deeply. Don’t look at the machine or the clock. If your body knows when it’s going to run, it’s going to tense. Keep your feet flat on the floor. Wear loose fitting clothes. Don’t wear anything that will constrict your waist. Rest the arm that you use as high as possible. The lower your arm is from your heart, the harder it has to pump to circulate blood. Don’t think about it. That’s kinda hard, but think about something else. If you have to get a repeat, breathe deeper and don’t stress out.

If you are disqualified for out-of-range blood pressure, unless it was very high, you can still screen for another study at a later date. Occasionally, they may suggest that you see your physician to follow up. While it is unfortunate to get disqualified, there is not much you can do. Sometimes your body is stressed out, sometimes you get a bad reading. But once the clinic runs the tests, the results are final. Just relax and don’t panic.