Frequently Asked Questions
What is a clinical trial?
A clinical trial is a research study designed to answer specific questions about investigational drugs. Tests are conducted according to strict rules set by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA).
Who can participate in a clinical trial?
Each clinical trial has its own particular requirements as well as its own exclusion criteria. In general, if you are 18 years of age or older, are able to read and understand the clinical trial study consent form and are able to travel to our offices for the clinical trial study visits, you may be eligible to participate. Please contact Northern California Research Corp for clinical trial study information and your qualifications for specific studies of interest to you.
What are the benefits to me of participating in a clinical trial?
During the course of the clinical trial study, all study-related medication, laboratory tests, diagnostic procedures and study-related examinations will be provided at no charge to you. Each study participant will also receive reimbursement for time and travel. Most importantly, you can take satisfaction in knowing that you are contributing towards the advancement of medical scientific knowledge that is vital to others and generations to come.
If I agree to participate in a clinical trial, what are my obligations?
As a volunteer for a clinical trial, you are agreeing to provide your time and attention to a very important medical research project.
If you determine that you do not have the time to participate in a clinical trial, you may leave the study at any time for any reason, without hindering your right to further treatment. As a condition of your departure from a clinical trial, we ask that you contact the study coordinator at Northern California Research Corp, return any unused medication and allow time for an exit physical exam/procedure.
Participation in a clinical trial will not affect your ability to receive treatment for other medical conditions.
Why should I participate in a clinical trial?
You are participating in medical science history! You have the opportunity to participate in an investigational treatment before it becomes widely available. And, you can help in the development of medical treatments that may help others.
By playing a more active role in your own healthcare, you can benefit from an alternative course of treatment that you or your physician might not otherwise have known about. You will receive expert medical care during the clinical trial.
Are there any risks to participation in a clinical trial?
Many clinical trial studies require the use of a placebo (an inactive substance that has no therapeutic effects). You may receive a placebo in a clinical trial, which means you will not be receiving therapeutic effects.
Some treatments within our clinical trial studies may have side effects that can be unpleasant, serious or even life-threatening. The risks will be fully explained to you by the experienced team at Northern California Research Corp before you begin the clinical trial procedures.
What if I experience a new medical problem outside of the scope of the clinical trial?
There may be instances during the study when unrelated medical issues are uncovered including newly diagnosed high blood pressure, diabetes or even a previously undiagnosed malignancy. All information can be provided to your personal physician so that he/she may provide you with the necessary medical treatment and continuing medical care.
Will I be able to get the clinical trial medication when it comes out on the market?
We can usually provide a source of marketing information to you or your personal physician to obtain the medication once it becomes available.
If I have questions about the clinical trial, whom do I call?
Each clinical trail study participant is provided will an on call phone number. A study coordinator and study investigator are available 24 hours a day, seven days a week, 365 days a year.
Your information privacy:
Medical patients and clinical trail participants want to trust that the healthcare system will keep their personal health information private. The policies and procedures implemented at Northern California Research Corp fully comply with those of the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) that was passed in August 1996 and became effective in April 2003.
Please refer to our Privacy Policy and other sources of privacy information offered on our Privacy Policy page.