Thoughts from a Lab Rat

So, you just finished up a study. So now what? Well, many clinics recommend that you take an iron supplement to help replenish your red blood cells and hemoglobin. While your body does need the extra iron, you will be better off eating foods that are naturally high in iron. Natural iron absorbs quicker and more complete than supplements. Foods that are high in iron include red meat, oysters, mussels, clams, shrimp, beans and green leafy vegetables. If you feel you must take a supplement, take an iron-complex supplement rather than iron by itself. The iron-complex comes with additional elements like vitamin C which aid in the absorption of the iron.

Once you complete a study, you should not have unprotected sex for a period of at least 90 days or as outlined in the informed consent. The effects of an experimental study drug are unknown and can be harmful to child conceived while taking the drug. If you have sex during this time, you need to use a double-barrier method of birth control.

All clinics in the US require a minimum 30 day washout period between studies. During this time, you must not participate in another clinical research study. Some drugs will have longer washouts in order to be sure that the drug is completely out of your system and your body allowed enough time return to normal. At most clinics, you can screen for another study during the washout period as long as the study checks in after the required washout period. I recommend waiting at least 2 to 3 weeks after the completion of the previous study before screening for another. Certain clinics, sponsors or study specific guidelines will determine when the washout period begins. Sometimes it is the last dosing date, sometimes the last participation date (check out or out patient visit).

Study Payments

Every clinic has their own policies on how and when they pay your stipends. Every clinic usually outlines their payment information in the informed consent and or house rules. Generally, short studies (less than a week) will be made in one lump payment in the mail. Longer studies (over a week and or multiple stays) may have two or more payments. Again, there is no set standard and each clinic can pay you however and whenever they like. Most clinics will specifically say 7 to 14 business days once the study is complete but most times you will get it sooner.

It is important to note that most clinics operate on a completion payment system. That means that in order to get the full advertised amount, you must complete all parts of the study. This includes all in-patient and out-patient visits. Failure to complete all parts will result in forfeiture of the completion bonus as most clinics call it. Many clinics also fine you if you are late to your procedures or fail to follow all the clinic rules. If you are fined, this can delay your payment.

So it’s best to make sure you follow all the rules, be on time to all of the procedures (that is what they are paying you for after all) and complete all parts of the study.