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Information for volunteers

What are Clinical Trials?

There are many stages in the development process of a new drug – these stages are divided into ‘Phases’.  A new drug must be tested extensively prior to being made available to the public.

Phase I studies usually include a small number of healthy volunteers. This phase is used to evaluate how safe a drug is, determine the required dose and identify any potential side effects associated with its use. A healthy volunteer is someone who does not need to take medication on a regular basis, and who has no ongoing medical conditions or allergies.

Phase II studies involve more volunteers than Phase I and use volunteers who suffer with the condition the drug is designed to treat. During this phase researchers are looking at the effect of the drug on the condition. If this is successful a larger group of volunteers are used for Phase III studies. This phase evaluates and compares the drug’s effectiveness to a currently marketed drug which is already used to treat the condition.

Some studies may be called “blind” wherein the volunteer does not know which product they are taking or “double blind”, meaning that neither the research staff nor the volunteer are aware of which product they are taking. The research may be looking at how the new study drug works compared to an existing medication or placebo drug.  A “placebo” is a dummy drug with no active ingredient.

Why Volunteer?

By becoming a volunteer for a clinical trial you will be making a valuable contribution to medical research by assisting in the development process of a new drug treatment. 

Volunteers are compensated for their time and inconvenience. The amount depends on the type and length of the study.

Register as a Volunteer

To register as a volunteer, please complete our online registration form.

Volunteer FAQs

Click on the questions below to reveal the answers.

How safe is it?

Clinical trials are heavily regulated. To ensure that the highest standards of safety are maintained, trials are required to comply with strict guidelines. These are governed by the EU Clinical Trials Directive and the MHRA (The Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency) and are approved by an Independent Research Ethics Committee before they can be used in Healthy Volunteers and Patients.

What happens first?

The process begins with an assessment of the volunteer's general health. If suitable, the volunteers will be invited to come into The Centre to learn more about the study. At the same time, Volunteers will have a general health check to assess their suitability, meet the clinical team and have an opportunity to ask questions.

What is informed consent?

Volunteers are required to sign a consent form before participating in a research study. The purpose of the informed consent process ensures that volunteers are fully informed and understand all aspects of the research.

Who can take part?

Males and Females of all ages can take part, depending on the criteria required for the research study. The age range of 18 to 45 is more common for healthy volunteer studies and females of childbearing potential may be required to use contraceptives. Volunteers will be asked to bring in a form of photo ID on their visits. (Passport, driving license).

What sort of drugs do you test?

The majority of studies run at Surrey Clinical Research Centre look at how medications affect the central nervous system, which is the part of the body which has a role in the control of behaviour. The Centre specialises in sleep research, testing existing medication or new medications designed to help sleep.

How long do studies last?

The length of studies may vary considerably depending on the type of research and medication being tested. They can be fully residential, short out-patient visits only, or a combination of both.

How often can I take part?

Healthy Volunteers should normally allow 3 months between research studies. However, as the time is determined by the criteria of a particular study, the gap may be longer or shorter.

Will I be paid for taking part?

Volunteers will receive some compensation in recognition of the time spent in The Centre and reimbursed for their travel expenses.

Do I need to be registered with a doctor?

Volunteers are required to be registered with a GP/Doctor. Surrey Clinical Research Centre will contact the Volunteer's Doctor to obtain current and past medical history details and information on any prescribed medication. A GP/Doctor may be reluctant to release medical details if the Volunteer has not been registered or visited the surgery for long time.

Will I be allowed to leave the building?

Volunteers on residential studies will not be allowed to leave The Centre until all procedures have been completed or as specified by the clinical staff.

Can I drink Alcohol / Tea or Coffee?

Restriction for both alcohol and caffeine will depend on the research study. As a general rule alcohol should be avoided 24 hours prior to screening and during a study, and volunteers may be required to take an alcohol test. Volunteers may be asked not to eat or drink anything containing caffeine throughout the study, this would also include chocolate and cola/sports drinks.

Can I smoke?

Restrictions will depend on the criteria of the study and volunteers will be informed prior to coming into the unit. Smoking or light smoking may be permitted, however there is a no smoking policy at The Centre.

Can I exercise?

Restrictions will depend on the research study and volunteers will be informed prior to coming into the unit. As a general rule exercise should be avoided 24 hours prior to screening, and throughout the study. Volunteers may be asked not to make any major changes to their normal exercise routine whilst taking part.

Do you cater for Vegetarians/Vegans or special dietary requirements?

As a general rule an alternative vegetarian meal would be available, however this is determined by the criteria for the research study. Volunteers may be required to avoid certain foods.

Will I be tested for drugs?

It is standard practice on most clinical research studies to be tested for recreational drugs, which includes testing for cannabis, "Es", hard drugs etc. It is recommended that Volunteers avoid foods containing poppy seeds as this may affect drug results. Please note: cannabis can stay in your system for at least 3 weeks.

Will I be tested for HIV and Hepatitis B & C?

It is standard practice on most early phase studies to be tested for HIV and Hepatitis B and C. The results of these tests remain confidential.

Are there contraceptive requirements?

Restrictions will depend on the research study and volunteers will be informed prior to coming into the unit. As a general rule female volunteers of childbearing potential will need to be using a double barrier method (e.g. contraceptive pill combined with a condom). Pregnant or breastfeeding females will not be able to take part. Male volunteers may be asked to use contraceptives before/during/after a study for a specified time.

Can I use my mobile phone / laptop?

Mobile phones / laptops and chargers are acceptable but their use is greatly restricted as they interfere with our sensitive equipment. Volunteers may be asked to switch them off according to study requirements; a payphone is available in the volunteers lounge.

What do I need to bring with me?

Sufficient daytime clothing as we are unable to wash any laundry. Clothing with front fastenings may be required if volunteers are having electrodes placed on their heads and warm clothing for sleeping as our sleep labs are kept at approximately 18ºC. Shoes/soft shoes must be worn at all times for safety reasons. (i.e. you cannot walk around in bare feet)