Guide
Healthy volunteer studies
You don't need a health condition to take part in medical research. Many studies need healthy volunteers: people with no known significant health problems, who help researchers test new treatments and understand what "normal" looks like.
Why studies need healthy volunteers
- To test safety. Early studies of a new medicine often start with healthy volunteers, to check that it's safe and find the right dose. See Clinical trial phases explained.
- To set a baseline. Researchers need to know what normal results look like on a new test or scanner.
- To compare. Healthy volunteers can act as a comparison group for people with a condition, often matched by age or sex.
The NIH Clinical Center notes that these studies aim to create new knowledge, not to directly benefit the volunteer.
What it can involve
It depends on the study. Some need a single visit with a questionnaire or blood test. Others, especially early medicine studies, can involve several visits or an overnight stay with close monitoring. The consent form spells out exactly what's involved before you agree. See Informed consent and your rights.
Payment
Many healthy volunteer studies pay for your time, and sometimes for inconvenience such as overnight stays. Amounts vary by study. See Are paid clinical trials safe? How compensation works.
Your rights
Taking part is voluntary. You can leave a study, or say no to a particular test, at any time.
Is it for you?
Ask yourself:
- Can I make the visits, including any overnight stays?
- Am I comfortable with the tests involved, such as blood draws?
- Do I understand the risks, especially for an early-stage medicine study?
See studies recruiting near you →