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Thinking About Research?

Navigating the decision to participate in a Clinical Research Trial can be filled with uncertainties.

 

At Arizona Research Center, we aim to equip you with comprehensive information from the outset and address any questions you may have throughout the process.

 

What is a Clinical Trial?

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A clinical trial is designed to test how a medication, medical treatment or device works on a group of volunteers.  Research studies are essential to making new medications available to the public, and determine a drug’s ability to treat a condition, its safety and possible side effects.

 

How do I know a Clinical Trial is Safe?

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Pharmaceutical companies must first gain approval from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) before starting a clinical trial.  Following the FDA’s approval, an Institutional Review Board (IRB) also evaluates the study to determine if it is safe and ethical for human participation.  Throughout the study, the IRB monitors the information collected, and the FDA has the opportunity to do the same at any time.  Finally, the physicians and study coordinators conducting the trial collect detailed medical information at each study visit to help them closely monitor your progress.

 

Why Participate in a Clinical Trial...

Preparing for Your Visit

Here a few tips when preparing for your first clinical research visit.

 

  • An Informed Consent will be presented to you at the  beginning. So if you require reading glasses please bring them along.  

  • Plan ahead and write down possible questions to ask.

  • Ask a friend or family member to come along for support and to hear the responses to the questions.

  • Bring in a list of your current medications that show what they were prescribed for and what dose amount you take. 

  • If you’ve kept a diary of your symptoms for your primary care physician, it may help to bring that along to describe pain/allergies/etc. to our coordinators. 

  • First visits can range from 1-4 hours (depending on the trial) so be sure to eat before you come in.

What to Expect

Your first visit will vary with the type of study you’re trying to qualify for.  In some cases, you can expect some of the following to be conducted to see if you qualify for the research study:

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Consent Form (ALL STUDIES)

Medical history review

Go over current medications

Check height/weight

Vital signs

Physical Exam

Blood draws 

ECG

Urine test: pregnancy or drug

Patient stipend (payment)

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