Just Another Lab Rat
Photo: Jean-Etienne Poirrier
While the site's host promotes the idea of volunteering for the money and to "make the world healthier," he also reports having taken over 700 pills and undergoing 1,200 blood draws during the past three years. The host appears to be an experienced participant, but (appropriately) does not provide medical advice.
The site is attempting to maintain a searchable database of clinics for healthy volunteers, but is still struggling a bit with the execution of that database. The site's strength is the candid, practical, often somewhat amusing tips it offers. For example, the site provides a suggestion on how to prepare yourself for being able to provide a urine sample when you arrive at a clinic, as well as where to sit on a bus to be the most comfortable when traveling long distances to a clinic (near the front so as to avoid exhaust fumes and the smell of the rest room). Once at the clinic, it suggests packing plenty of socks and underwear. "Some clinics strip search you down to your underwear. So be sure to wear underwear!"
There are message boards to which registered individuals can post questions, answers or their personal experiences at specific clinics, noting whether the food is good and the study staff are friendly. You don't need to register to view the messages. These boards don't seem to be heavily used yet, but they are available.
Overall, the site attempts to provide some useful information and links. It is obviously run pretty much on the energy, enthusiasm and effort of its host. And while it sometimes falters when navigating from page to page, it probably serves a useful purpose as an information node about clinical trials.
-Joe
Related Topics:
- 12 Answers to Common Questions About Clinical Trials
- Concerns for Women, Children, and Genetic Privacy in Clinical Trials
2 Comments:
The fact that this site motivates people to make money by being volunteers for clinical trails is alarming. This method of motivation clearly blurs the definition of the word volunteer which implies that a volunteer works for free or does anything on his own free will. By bringing financial gains into the picture a person may “volunteer” for research for the wrong reasons and in case of any adverse development the chances of serious complications can be inevitable. But I understand that no one would want to volunteer for a clinical trial if they were not compensated but I want them to understand the risks before they sign up for an trial and not do so only to make money
It is not uncommon to find people participating in clinical trails just as a means to get a quick buck but taking 700 pills and undergoing 1200 blood draws is a bit overwhelming! But who is responsible and accountable for the possible long term effects of these drugs and procedures?
I think it would be best if the researchers make every attempt to guarantee that the volunteer participates in clinical trails for the right reasons and ensure that they take full responsibility for any effect that can result from the tests
S. Komala RN
GS3 India Private limited
www.gs3india.com
Thanks for your post. I’m humbled by your analyses and find nothing to complain about. The site is what it is. A place to find information.
It is supposed to be ‘a site for lab rats by lab rats’ though of course I am the main writer and rely on the input of my readers to fill in the message board which is getting hit more by spammers than volunteers. And yes, the definition of volunteer seems to get questioned every time I’m in a study. It is the idea of volunteering that prevails beyond the check that one receives. It’s still a matter of helping out medical science or not.
I try to write the site to remind people that you should do studies for more than just money. But in the end, nobody is forcing you to cash the check and spend it at Macy’s or Best Buy. If it makes you feel better, donate the money to a charity.
And I’ll have you know that some studies I’ve been on had 200 to 300 pills! I recall the 16 pill study for 20 days. That was a crowd pleaser.
As for komgs response, it is the whole point of research to find out what happens. From the first dose in man to multiple drug compatibility testing, there is always the risk of side-effects, injury or even death. While the clinic will do it’s best to screen people prior to a study and to carry out the study as safe as possible, it’s not possible to catch everything or prevent problems from occuring. But it is ultimately up to each volunteer to be honest about their medical health and to follow the rules and procedures of each study to minimize the problems. I think the majority of volunteers are responsible and ethical and do it not only for the money for to help medical science and it is only a handful of bad apples that spoil it for everyone else.
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