Frequently Asked Questions

Clinical trials are research studies that test new treatments, procedures or therapies in humans to determine their safety, efficacy and potential side effects. For more information, visit the About Clinical Trials page located under the Participants tab on the top of our site.

Each study has specific requirements for participation. Our study team will contact you either via text or phone call for what is known as prescreening. During prescreening the study team check for the major qualifying criteria. Following prescreening is the screening phase. This will consist of one or more in person visits to our site were our study team will check for all the remaining qualifying criteria.

Clinical research is typically conducted by trained medical personnel. All clinical trials are conducted under U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) guidelines. Additionally, all clinical studies are reviewed and monitored by Institutional Review Boards (IRBs). These committees consists of doctors, scientists, ethicists, community representatives, and more. All known risks for each study will be made known to you via an Informed Consent Form before you enter the treatment phase of a study. You may want to inform your personal medical provider of your interest in any clinical trials before you participate. An Informed Consent Form can be provided to you to share with you medical provider in this case. Additionally, our study site is able and willing to answer any questions you or your medical provider may have.

If you are considering participating in a clinical research trial, there are several factors to consider before making a decision:

1. Understand the purpose of the trial: It is important to understand the purpose of the trial and what the researchers hope to achieve. Ask questions to ensure that you understand what the trial involves and what your role will be in it.
2. Know the risks and benefits: Every clinical trial comes with risks and benefits. Make sure you understand what these are before deciding to participate. Consider the possible side effects of any medications or procedures involved in the trial.
3. Know your rights: As a participant in a clinical trial, you have rights that protect your safety and privacy. Understand what these rights are and how they will be upheld during the trial.
4. Talk to your doctor: Discuss the trial with your doctor to determine if it is right for you. Your doctor can help you weigh the potential risks and benefits of participating in the trial and can help you make an informed decision.
5. Consider the time commitment: Clinical trials can be time-consuming, so consider whether you are willing and able to commit to the required time.
6. Consider the location: Some trials may require frequent visits to our research site, so consider our distance from you and whether the travel would be reasonable.

Overall, participating in a clinical research trial can be a valuable experience, but it is important to carefully consider the risks and benefits before making a decision.

Most clinical trials will compensate you for your participation. Additionally, experimental treatment as well as tests and procedures associated with the trial are typically provided at no cost to the participant. The specifics vary from each clinical trial and study sponsor. For details regarding a specific trial you are considering, please ask the study team during the prescreening period or through a general inquiry.

A placebo substance or treatment that has no therapeutic effect on the patient's health condition. The purpose of using a placebo is to help researchers determine whether any observed effects of the treatment are due to the treatment itself or simply a result of the patient's expectation or belief that the treatment will work. The use of placebos is an important aspect of clinical research to ensure that the treatment being tested is indeed effective and not just a result of placebo effect.