The Participant Process
1. Inquiry
You can get details of current studies by calling or visiting the available studies section on our Website. If you are interested in a particular study you can schedule a screening appointment by phone. When you call you will be asked to answer several questions related to age, gender, ethnicity, height and weight along with 10 medical history questions.These questions ensure that you meet the minimum criteria required by the study. If you meet the minimum criteria, you may schedule a time to come to the site for a screening.
2. Screening
You must pass the minimum qualifications for the study before you can schedule a screening appointment. Minimum qualifications are typically general and could include age, weight, ethnicity, gender, etc.
Your safety is our primary concern, so the first step in the screening process is informing you of the details of the study. You will be given a menu, time and events calendar, and an informed consent Form (ICF) to read and review. The ICF includes information regarding potential side effects, amount of blood taken and rationale of the study. A trained medical professional will review the ICF with you and answer any questions you may have. If you feel uncomfortable with the ICF you may choose to exit the process.
You will also need to complete a medical history questionnaire. We recommend you bring important names or dates concerning your medical history (i.e. dates of surgeries and medications you are currently taking). Once you agree to the terms and conditions of the informed consent packet, and complete the medical history packet, you will proceed to the lab work portion of the procedure. MDS staff will measure your height, weight, temperature, blood pressure, pulse and collect urine and blood samples.You will also recive an ECG and a physical examination. Screening may also include other study specific procedures, such as allergy tests and X-rays. The initial lab work process takes approximately 90 minutes.
3. Results
You need to call the CelerionResults Line at the specified time to get your lab results. If you can't call during the time specified. Please have your screening ID number available and ready to provide. NOTE: We can only provide your results through the Celerion Results Line.
The time you call may determine the order in which you are placed on the study. Celerion uses a competitive call method to give all volunteers an equal chance of participating in a study.
4. Acceptance
You will be informed of your exam results and if you are currently accepted for the study when you recieve your lab results.
If you are provisionally accepted, you will be given the date and time to check-in and any special instructions to follow prior to check-in. Placement in a study is never guaranteed--placement is secured by the doctor and the client.
You will be asked to call the recruiting departemnt the day before check in to confirm your admission. If you cannot participate, call us immediately as failure to check-in can result in a permanent ban from studies at Celerion.
5. Check In
You are allowed to bring ONE average size bag and a suitcase. No personal linens or pillows are allowed.Please be advised that ALL items will be searched at check-in, and items not allowed in the facility will be removed and returned at departure.
Orientation by an Celerion Study Manager is conducted at check-in and includes an explanation of what you will experience during the study, a review of the study schedule, an optional tour of the facility and the expectations of the study participants.
7. On-Study
While on study, you will have required blood draws and meals and plenty of free time. Many people occupy themselves by reading, watching movies or surfing the internet. Celerion provides PCs, wireless internet access, daily newspapers. You will also have access to a pay phone to keep in touch with family and friends. For most studies you will be awakened at 7a.m. for breakfast. However, if you are being dosed that day you may not be allowed to eat breakfast. Lunch, dinner and a late snack are also provided. Bedtime is 11 p.m. for most studies.
8. Checking Out
Check-out is typically in the morning and involves the following procedures:
- A vitals check
- An ECG
- A physical exam
- Any additional requirements e.g., not operating a motor vehicle
- A volunteer survey
9. Receiving a Stipend Check
You will receive a check the Tuesday or the Friday after you complete your study.You will be asked to call the recruiting department the day before you are to recieve your final stipend to see if a safety repeat is needed. If a repeat is needed you will be abe to pick up your check upon the completion of that visit. If no safety repeat is needed you may either pick up your check at our facililty or request that it is mailed to you. If you have a change of address, contact a Study Participant Representative immediately to ensure your check is not delayed. If the check is sent to an incorrect address, it will not be reissued for 14 business days. If your payment is over $600, you will receive a 1099 form as taxes are not deducted from your stipend check.
10. The Next Study
Many of our Study Participants are repeat customers, and we certainly appreciate regular volunteers. There is no limit to the amount of studies you can participate in, although there are statutory periods of time, called 'washouts,' between the end of one study and the start of another when you cannot participate.
We encourage participants to talk to their friends about the study experience and refer them to the clinic. We offer referral bonuses for every referral that completes a study.
Click here to view upcoming studies, or call us toll free at
(800)528-2371