How To Be a Medical Test Subject

  • February 5, 2008
  • 5,224 Views
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Give yourself over to the warm embrace of Lady Science and make up to $50,000 a year.

You Will Need

  • To be at least 18 years old
  • Moderately good health
  • A non-squeamish nature
  • And a willingness to accept risk
How To Be a Medical Test Subject: Take eligibility test

Step 1: Take eligibility test

Go to BioTrax.com and take their free instant eligibility test for healthy volunteers to see if you are qualified to be a clinical trial subject. If so, a subscription to the service will get you access to information on tests all over the world.

How To Be a Medical Test Subject: Peruse listings

Step 2: Peruse listings

To avoid any up-front fees, go to GPGP.net (Guinea Pigs Get Paid) for a free, but less comprehensive, list of upcoming studies in the United States, Canada, and Europe.

Check Craigslist, which also features postings for medical test subjects.

How To Be a Medical Test Subject: Contact clinic

Step 3: Contact clinic

Contact a clinic that is preparing a trial that interests you—it could be anything from a simple outpatient personality test to sleep deprivation to brain imaging studies. Be prepared to answer questions about your overall health; if you sound qualified, they’ll set up a screening appointment.

How To Be a Medical Test Subject: Sign consent form

Step 4: Sign consent form

At the screening, you’ll be required to sign an “informed consent” form, outlining what the study will entail and any risks involved. You’ll also need to give the clinic written permission to screen you for HIV, Hepatitis B & C, drugs, and alcohol.

How To Be a Medical Test Subject: Undergo physical

Step 5: Undergo physical

After you complete a medical history questionnaire, you’ll be given a physical. Depending on the study, you may have to undergo psychological testing, too.

Request to be reimbursed for the time and expense involved in undergoing the screening.

How To Be a Medical Test Subject: Prepare for test

Step 6: Prepare for test

If you make the cut, you’ll be told when to show up for the study and what to abstain from beforehand (like medications, alcohol, etc.). In some cases, you may have to fast.

How To Be a Medical Test Subject: Collect your fee

Step 7: Collect your fee

When the study is completed, you’ll be given another physical and paid. Your fee is based on both the time you served and the unpleasantness—and potential danger—of the study. In other words, having to wear a catheter pays better than popping a pill.

In March 2006, six medical volunteers in the U.K. were rushed into treatment—and survived—when the experimental drug being tested on them caused multiple organ failure.

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Comments (5)

Ninjew

Great advise!

over 4 years ago by Ninjew

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speakeasy

Ah! where was this video 6 months ago? damn those side effects.. JK! :)

over 4 years ago by speakeasy

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kristy

this is so funny! you did an awesome job on this nate. i love the actor you found!!! you gotta get him to make a profile on howcast.

over 3 years ago by kristy

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juniorlee

01:38...lol....reminds me of that physical I took to get into the navy

over 3 years ago by juniorlee

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luckysod04

yay, mutiple organ failure!!!!!!!! Where do I sign up?

over 3 years ago by luckysod04

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