We Hope The Experience Will Be As Relaxing As Possible During Your Trial
The clinical research facilities at Bourn Hall are set within 22 acres of parkland in Cambridgeshire.
As our research facility is custom built, it ensures that you have everything you need to participate in a trial comfortably and safely.
There are two recreation rooms with pool tables, satellite television, DVD's, internet access, daily newspapers, magazines and board games.
The answers to some frequently asked questions can be found by clicking on the questions below
- Who can participate?
- Is participation safe?
- How do I become a volunteer?
- What restrictions will be involved when participating in trials?
- How long do trials last?
- Can I discontinue the trial at any time?
- How often can I take part in a trial?
- Is it confidential?
- What do I get out of it?
Who can participate?
You can apply if you are:
| Male or female, aged over 18 | Registered with a UK GP for at least 3 months |
| Not taking part in any other clinical trial | Not regularly taking recreational drugs |
| Not drinking alcohol excessively |
Usually our trials require volunteers to be in good general health. Occasionally we perform trials with special groups such as:
| Post menopausal females | Asthmatic patients | Diabetic patients |
Is participation safe?
It is important to remember that there is always an element of risk when taking any medication, but to ensure the risk to our volunteers is kept to an absolute minimum, our clinical procedures conform to the highest standards of Good Clinical Practice (GCP).
To ensure your safety, a full medical screen is performed before and after you have participated in a trial. In addition, during the trial you will be closely monitored for any reactions or side effects.
Should there be any safety concerns, you will be withdrawn from the trial and the results will be followed up by the medical staff at LCG Bioscience.
Each trial must follow a protocol that is assessed both by a completely independent local research ethics committee, a governmental authority and LCG Bioscience.
All the trials are carried out under the medical supervision of our fully trained doctors and nurses.
top of pageHow do I become a volunteer?
The first stage of any trial involves recruiting and screening volunteers. When we know the requirements of a trial, we will contact you to see if you maybe interested in becoming a volunteer. After approval by an independent ethics committee, we will send you a copy of the volunteer information leaflet, sample consent form and dates the trial will be performed. These documents provide information about the trial requirements, trial drugs and procedures.
If you are interested, you will be invited to the clinical unit for a screening medical examination. Prior to any physical examination, a doctor will fully inform you about the trial providing information about the trial drug, time schedules and possible consequences of your participation. You will be given the opportunity to ask any questions and discuss any concerns you may have. Once you are fully aware of the requirements of the trial, you will be asked to provide written informed consent to your participation. You will be asked questions about your health and may have to undergo tests to determine your general well-being. Tests may include giving a blood and/or urine sample, recording an ECG (to monitor the electrical activity of your heart) and measurement of your blood pressure.
If you are eligible, you will be entered onto the trial. You will then be required to attend the unit according to the trial schedule.
At the end of the trial, you will attend a post trial medical to ensure that you have suffered no ill effects from participation.
Your GP will be contacted before you receive treatment as part of the trial and he/she will be made aware of the drug being tested.
top of pageWhat restrictions will be involved when participating in trials?
Common restrictions while participating on trials include:
- The consumption of alcohol, caffeine containing drinks, grapefruit and drinks containing xanthine (found in Coca-Cola) is normally restricted before drug administration
- You may have to restrict your food intake before some trials
- You may have to restrict your physical activity to a minimum whilst in the unit
- You are not allowed to smoke whilst in the unit
- You should use adequate contraception methods during a trial
How long do trials last?
Most trials require only a few days of your time. However, the length of trials can vary considerably. Some trials may last only a few hours, while others may last for several weeks.
top of pageCan I discontinue the trial at any time?
Your decision to take part in any trial is entirely voluntary. You are free to withdraw your consent at any time without giving a reason.
top of pageHow often can I take part in a trial?
Your decision to take part in any trial is entirely voluntary. You are free to withdraw your consent at any time without giving a reason.
top of pageIs it confidential?
Any information that is collected about you during the course of the trial will be kept strictly confidential.
Any data provided by you for use on the volunteer database or collected during participation on a clinical trial will be handled and stored in accordance with the Data Protection Act 1998.
top of pageWhat do I get out of it?
| You will be helping medical research by playing a part in the development of a new medicine which may cure, prevent or control the symptoms of an illness in the future | A free medical check-up |
| Compensation for your time and contribution to travelling expenses. The amount will vary depending on how long you stay in the clinical unit and the level of inconvenience (you can usually expect around £125 for a 24 hour overnight stay and £40 per further visit) |