Who can volunteer for studies?
Not everyone is considered suitable to take part in research studies. Eligibility is usually determined by the study sponsor (the company or institute that pays for the study). However, some exclusions apply to a majority of studies. 1) As the term implies, “Healthy volunteers” must be healthy, both physically and psychologically. This means not having any diseases, medical conditions, or psychiatric disorders. 2) Volunteers are expected to be drug-free. This means not taking any recreational drugs or prescribed medications, either currently or recently. Common, over-the-counter medications and oral contraceptives are sometimes tolerated on certain studies. 3) Volunteers are usually required to be within the normal weight range for their height and body frame. 4) The majority of clinics will not accept smokers, or anyone who admits to smoking in the last 6 months.
Not everyone is considered suitable to take part in research studies. Eligibility is usually determined by the study sponsor (the company or institute that pays for the study). However, some exclusions apply to a majority of studies. • As the term implies, “Healthy volunteers” must be healthy, both physically and psychologically. This means not having any diseases, medical conditions, or psychiatric disorders. • Volunteers are expected to be drug-free. This means not taking any recreational drugs or prescribed medications, either currently or recently. Common, over-the-counter medications and oral contraceptives are sometimes tolerated on certain studies. • Volunteers are usually required to be within the normal weight range for their height and body frame. • The majority of clinics will not accept smokers, or anyone who admits to smoking in the last 6 months. However, smokers may be tolerated if the clinic is located in a community where it is difficult to find non-smoking volunteers.
