At CEDRA Clinical Research, we conduct both overnight and outpatient clinical research studies to test new drugs for safety and effectiveness before they go to market. Since 1984, healthy adults have come to our facilities to participate. Some do it to help advance medical science. Others are good-hearted and want to help future generations. And many come for the financial compensation. Qualified participants receive payment for the time they spend in the study, as well as travel time.
[back to top]How do I qualify?
It's easy. Just pick up the phone and call us, or check out our current study listings. One of our helpful staff members will begin the screening process to see if you're a good candidate. You'll be asked a series of questions about your medical history and other study-specific criteria. If you meet the initial requirements on the phone, you'll be scheduled to come into our facility for a complete physical exam that usually includes lab work, an EKG and an evaluation by a physician. All of this, at no cost to you. The staff will explain the study details at this time and give you all of the requirements. Many studies require that you stop consuming alcohol, grapefruit, caffeine and other products for a designated amount of time before you begin a study. Medications are similarly restricted. If you pass the physical screening, your study date will be scheduled.
Austin: 512.345.0032
San Antonio: 210.635.1515
What's next?
So, you've been selected to participate in an overnight clinical trial. Pack up your clothes, toiletries, favorite pillow and blanket, laptop, cell phone, iPod, that unfinished book and drive over to CEDRA on your designated study start date. Upon entering the spacious, well-lit parking lot, you find a spot and head inside.
From there, you'll step off the elevator and be greeted by our receptionist or another member of our staff. You and your fellow subjects will check in with a study coordinator who will ask you a few simple questions. Things like, “Have you had caffeine recently? Have you taken any over-the-counter medication recently?” These questions correspond to the instructions you were given at your screening visit.
A urine sample is oftentimes required to screen for drugs and, in the case of women, test for pregnancy. Next, you'll be shown to a comfortable dorm room. It's here you'll stow away your belongings in a private locker. (Participants are encouraged to bring personal electronics and reading materials, as well as a lock for their locker.) You'll then get all of your study instructions and a personalized clipboard containing a schedule of events so you'll know exactly where you'll need to be and when you'll need to be there. You'll then have a pre-bed snack and some time to unwind before heading to bed. During this time you're free to use CEDRA's wireless access, talk on the phone, read, watch movies, play video games or play pool with other participants.
The next morning usually begins very early with pre-dose procedures – a clinic technician will check your vital signs and draw blood, at a minimum. The next step is dosing. This means you'll take the study medication that is being tested. After dosing, you'll follow the schedule on your clipboard, which will include various procedures at designated times such as vital signs, EKGs and blood collections. In many studies, you are required to remain seated in a specific area for a designated amount of time after dosing (usually 4 hours). This is a time to read, get online, talk with a friend or watch movies. When this time has passed, you can again move around the facility and have complete access to the recreation room, computer room and lounge. You will continue with your procedure schedule throughout the day and you'll be served lunch, dinner and an evening snack. Checkout is typically the following morning, but may be later, depending on the study.
[back to top]Come on back!
The majority of CEDRA's subjects are repeat visitors. The friendly staff, comfortable facilities and healthy compensation keep them returning time and time again. Participants also enjoy meeting new people and making lasting friendships. In fact, just last year, a couple met while participating in the same study. They fell in love and married months later. This happy duo continues to return to CEDRA to participate in various healthy studies…together.
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