In every societal advancement, there are many unsung heroes who rarely receive attention yet are instrumental to the progression of technology. The Apollo moon landings had countless experts behind the scenes although the only name many us may be aware of is Neil Armstrong. Similarly, many of the medical advancements that we now take for granted have been built upon the shoulders of those who have come before us. Although the medical companies themselves may be the most prominent forces behind such benefits, the clinical volunteer represents the very backbone of these innovations.

Why Do Testing Companies Require Volunteers?

Although preliminary tests may yield promising results, various stages of trials must take place before a new or modified drug is allowed on the open market. Simply stated, all interactions may not be known until a medicine is delivered to test subjects. Companies can accurately gauge which demographic the drug will work best on, any side effects that may accompany its use as well as attain invaluable feedback from the clinical subjects themselves. The end result is a medicine that is safe, effective and has the potential to improve the quality of life for millions of individuals across the globe.

How Can I Become Involved?

If you have the desire to help others and wish to get involved, it’s easy to find a trial to take part in. While these tests do provide volunteers with financial and travel expense compensation, this should never be the main motivation to become involved. Rather, most volunteers understand that by taking part in clinical trials, they are becoming an integral part of medical advancement. Thus, the rewards are just as emotional as they may be financial.

The second step is to determine which specific tests you may find most relevant. A simply online search can provide you with a multitude of different options to choose from. Of course, it is important to take into account geographical location, the duration of the test and any possible risks involved. However, you should be aware that these tests are supervised under the most controlled medical environments possible and the medical practitioners will be carefully monitoring you throughout the entirety of the trial.

You will need to participate in a medical screening process and depending on the results, you may be approved to participate in what may prove to be an interesting and groundbreaking study. With a large number of trials to choose from, you may very well find the test that suits you the best.

About the author: Nick Davison, of Covance Clinical Trials in Leeds.