Thoughts from a Lab Rat

Every clinic must log the times of every procedure of every subject in order to prove that the study was done correctly and that all of the information is valid. At each procedure or time point, the staff member who is performing the task will note the time and initial. They will also make notations if the procedure is late for any reason . While a handful of clinics will keep the DCS forms among the staff, most clinics will give you a clipboard with a stack of DCS forms that you are responsible for. You must bring the clipboard to every procedure. Keep an eye on your clipboard at all times. In a clinic with dozens or hundreds of subjects, clipboards are bound to get lost or misplaced. Do not leave your clipboard lying around cause somebody else might pick it up thinking it’s theirs and then you have go go find it. The DCS forms can be reviewed by the FDA so you should not write anywhere on the forms and make sure they do not get wet or dirty.

There are some clinics that will fine you if you lose your clipboard, especially if you miss procedures because of it. So keep your clipboard with you at all times or in a safe place in your personal area! Your clipboard is like the torch on Survivor. Fire is life. Your clipboard is your paycheck!