We work to make your study visits as relaxed as possible. Here is what you can expect when you join a study.
Getting Started
How do I sign up to be in a study?
Your first step to join any of our studies is to call us: (Southern California: 800.398.1998 or Northern California 800.300.5767)
We'll tell you more about the study and answer any questions you have. If you are interested in participating, we will ask you a few eligibility questions over the phone before scheduling a screening visit. These questions may ask about your medical history and your current relationship. Any answers you give us are kept confidential by the research team and will not be shared with your partner. Depending on the study, we may also need to ask your partner a set of questions.
What do I need to bring with me to the appointment?
For your first appointment, we ask you to bring photo identification. It can be a driver’s license, state ID card or school ID as long as it has a picture and your date of birth on it.
Can we do our interviews over the phone?
Our studies almost always include in-person meetings with participants. These meetings provide the best possible feedback from our participants. Some studies may allow some follow-up interviews to be done over the phone.
Do both partners have to come to the appointments?
Some studies require that both partners come in for study appointments. Other studies require only one partner, and still other studies require that either one or the other partner come for some of the visits. When you call us to get more information about a particular study, we'll explain the visit schedule for that study.
How flexible are the appointment times?
We offer as many different appointment days and times as possible. We have appointment times as early as 9:00AM and as late as 4:00PM Monday through Friday. We may have later appointments at some of our sites. Most studies do not offer weekend appointments.
What if I can't make my appointment?
No problem, just give us a call to let us know. Our research associates often drive out to our study sites just to meet our participants, so if you are unable to keep a scheduled appointment, or you change your mind about participating, please call us to let us know as soon as possible. You might save us a trip, and you'll also free up that appointment time for another participant.
Do I have to pay to be in the study?
All study supplies and medical services are absolutely free. You will also receive compensation for your time and travel.
Do I have to have a physical exam to be in the study?
For many studies, there is no requirement for any type of physical examination. In some studies, exams are offered as an added benefit of participation to participants who want them. Other studies require examinations, but if this is the case, the study description will give all the details.
Do we have to be married to participate?
You do not need to be married to participate in any of our studies.