Q: What is Bio-Kinetic?
A: Bio-Kinetic is an independent research company which tests a wide variety of pharmaceutical products. Bio-Kinetic conducts medically supervised testing of products, mostly on men and women who are healthy and in good medical and physical condition.

Q: Why should I participate in a research study?
A: While earning extra money, you'll also help build a better future for healthcare, become more aware of the research process, and meet new people.  Most importantly, you'll enjoy the satisfaction of possibly helping improve the quality of life for people around the world.

Q: Is it safe to participate in a research study?
A: There is risk in taking any medication, including those prescribed by your own physician and those available over the counter. However, we work hard to minimize risks; for example, by screening and testing to make sure our study participants are healthy. We depend on our participants to be totally honest when giving us their medical histories.

Q: How do I go about enrolling?
A: To enroll in a study with Bio-Kinetic, participants must fill out an application to see if they meet some simple criteria as required by the study, have free time and agree to follow straightforward instructions. Before entering into a study all volunteers will receive full information about the nature of the study, the drug which is being tested and will be given an opportunity to ask questions about any aspect of the study. A detailed information sheet will be provided prior to participating.

Q: What type of tests are involved?
A: The testing involves an initial free, confidential physical examination.  Most studies may include blood and urine samples, electrocardiograms (ECGs) and other diagnostic tests.  The tests are done to ensure that the participants do not have any medical problems that would make it unsafe for them to participate.  Results of all tests are confidential.

Q: What type of studies do you run?
A: Some Bio-Kinetic studies involve routine visits to our clinic while others will involve one or more stays at our clinic. This stay is to ensure that participants follow the guidelines set down by the pharmaceutical company. The clinic is equipped with beds, showers, phones, and a lounge area. During the stay, volunteers will have free time to relax, study, read or watch television. Meals will be served each day and must be consumed in full. No other food is allowed to be brought into the clinic. Bio-Kinetic staff are on duty at all times to assist with the program details and all possible measures are taken to ensure the safety and comfort of study participants.

Q: Do I get paid for this?
A: Participating in a Bio-Kinetic study is a simple means of earning extra money. The payment for each study varies. It will be determined by several factors including the number of hours/days spent at Bio-Kinetic, the number and type of tests and procedures and the number of return visits required to the clinic. Payment is made by check 5 business days after completing the study. Taxes are not withheld but if you earn more than $600 for one calendar year, a tax form 1099 will be sent to you and the IRS stating the amount that you earned.

Q: Is there anything I need to do before the study begins?
A: There will be specific guidelines for each study. These may include alcohol, caffeine or medication restrictions for a period before the study starts and before physical examinations.

Q: May I continue to take vitamin supplements or any medication until checking in for the study?
A: Avoid taking all medications for 7 – 30 days (as determined by the study) but some studies may require that you stay on any medications taken on a daily basis.

Q: May I continue to donate blood or plasma?
A: Usually donations can be made from 30 to 90 days before the start of the study. Each study has its own restrictions.

Q: What activities are there for me to do while on the study?
A: There are televisions, movies, and games in the clinic. Games, books, and magazines are also available. Exercise is usually restricted because of the way it affects absorption of the study medication. Dependent on space availability, personal computers and TV's are allowed. Wireless access is now available to all participants.

Q: Is smoking allowed?
A: In general the clinic is a non-smoking facility. Smoking is only allowed on certain studies within designated areas and at designated times.

Q: Are visitors permitted?
A: Visitors are not allowed except to bring clean clothing, personal care items or books, etc. Telephones are available for both incoming and outgoing calls. Cellphones are allowed in the facility.

Q: How should I dress?
A: Dress in comfortable clothing. Footwear must be worn at all times.

Q: Are there urine drug screens for all of the studies?
A: Urine drug screens are done at physical examinations and at check-in. Avoid all drugs (e.g. cannabis), medications and alcohol. A positive drug screen will eliminate you from the study. If you have started the study and have a positive drug screen during the study, you will forfeit your stipend earned.

Q: What should I bring for the study?
A: Bring all personal care items (soap, towel, shampoo, clean clothing), books, magazines, puzzles, etc. Bedding is provided. Anything you bring is your responsibility. Bio-Kinetic is not responsible for any lost or stolen items.

Q: Is there anything I should not bring?
A: Food, medication, and weapons are all prohibited in the clinic. Meals will be provided.

Q: What can I expect during the study?
A: Every test is done in participant order (i.e. number 1, number 2) and timed precisely. At the beginning of the study you will be given an armband displaying this number and a schedule of tests and times. When you are not involved with study procedures you are free to relax.

Q: How often can I participate?
A: You may participate in a new study 30 days after completing a study. However, some studies have longer restrictions.