Consumer product testing does not have the same stringent rules or ethics that clinical trials do. Clinical trials, where the uses of new medications are involved, are obviously under far greater scrutiny.
For example, drinking, smoking does not necessarily make a person incapable of filling in questionnaires, testing a new brand of so powder or toothpaste in home for a period of weeks.
Nor does having high blood pressure, or a medical problem. However the use of medications with some efficacy tests may not be permissible.
There are some restrictions naturally, but generally speaking if you have qualified for the BioTrax database in the first instance, you will have no problems with participating in these types of studies. You can simply participate in consumer studies only if you wish.
They’re fantastic filler for when you’re not participating in clinical trials and help you through the periods of waiting for your next trial. By presenting you these opportunities you will be able to occupy your time, whilst you’re not on a clinical trial.
Consumer studies are a great way to meet people in your local area and are usually loads of fun and very interesting. Unlike medical trials consumer testing is not usually worth traveling any distance for and are only conducted in the areas listed on our study site that refer to consumer testing. They of course don’t carry the same financial rewards as medical trials, and payments are anything from $15-$500 or the equivalent in other currencies.
Sometimes it can be just $5.00/$10.00 US per hour, travel expenses and a day out, but who’s going to sneeze at that if there’s nothing else to do? You will often receive free products, Hair cuts/styles, and free dental treatment.
HERE ARE SOME EXAMPLES OF PRODUCTS TESTED
STUDY DISCRIPTIONS
Antiperspirant Studies – Study Subjects will participate in 5 to 12 day studies testing the efficacy of antiperspirant products for the feet and underarms.
Cold Sore Study – Men and women who suffer from cold sores will be asked to use a test medicine on outbreaks to test a new product that might reduce the healing time, size, redness, and pain of cold sores.
Deodorant Studies – Subjects will participate in 3 to 6 day studies testing the efficacy of deodorant products for the feet or underarms. Participants will cease using any products for a “washout” period prior to the study start. Then, subjects will attend lab visits for product application and odor evaluations throughout the study. It is necessary for participants to wear white T-shirts for each 24-hour period throughout the study; however, the shirts may be worn under clothing if preferred.
Disposable Diaper Study – Babies are needed to use disposable diapers for one-to-two months. Parents will keep product diaries and bring babies to the lab for diaper-area skin evaluations to determine if diaper rashes occur.
Dry Skin Study – Participants, most often women, must exhibit moderate-to-severe dry skin. These subjects will participate in a study to test moisturizing lotions on the arms or legs. Several lab visits will be required for product application, visual evaluation, and instrument readings. Visual and instrument evaluations will be used to determine the changes in the skin’s moisture content during use.
Head Lice Studies – Subjects must present at the lab with pre-existing lice infestation. This study will determine the efficacy of products that are designed to alleviate this problem.
Patch Studies – Participants will wear small 1-inch patches containing a small portion of personal care product on arms or back during studies to test adhesion, irritation, or allergic reactions. Most studies have short visits to the lab in early mornings or after work although there are usually restrictions on swimming during this study.
Photo-damaged Skin Studies – Participants who exhibit the signs of sun damage will use test products at home, keep product diaries, and attend lab visits with a skin specialist to determine the effects of the products which are designed to reduce the signs of sun-damage.
Preference Tests – Subjects will taste, smell, or apply a small amount of test product and answer questions to determine sensory preferences.
Use Studies – Subjects will use a product at home, usually under normal circumstances, for a period of time. Most studies required completing a daily product diary. Subjects will attend a limited number of study visits for product application and diary checks during the study’s duration.
Wash Study – Participants will test a new cleansing products by coming into the lab for several controlled skin washes to exaggerate the effects of cleansers on the arms, hands, or legs.
Pre-Op – Studies to evaluate the effectiveness of preoperative skin degerming products. These studies require 3-5 visits and involve sampling various body areas such as the forearm, abdomen and/or groin seperately or in combination with payment accordingly.
Handwash – Studies to evaluate a products ability to kill bacteria on participants hands after repeated handwashing. These studies are usually three visits, a product pick-up, a long 8 hour test day and a follow-up visit to have your hands checked by a dermatologist.
Teeth Bleaching – These studies test the safety and effectiveness of a wide variety of teeth bleaching products on shade level of teeth. Some of the different products tested would include bleaching strips, bleaching gels and bleaching trays.
Stained Teeth – These studies test a variety of products in the effectiveness of reducing the stain level on teeth. Some of the products tested would include chewing gum, toothpastes, mouthrinses, etc.
Early Morning Breath Evaluation (Malodor) – These are studies that test the effectiveness of a variety of products in the effectiveness of controlling early morning breath. Some of the products tested here would include toothpastes, chewing gums, breath mints and mouthrinses.