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Screening

Screening checks whether the protocol fits your health history, lab results, medications, schedule, and recent research participation.

Phone and notes used during a clinical research screening call.
Keep notes during the screening call so you can compare the listing, the schedule, and the coordinator’s answers.

What screening may include

Screening varies by protocol. A low-burden survey study may only require questionnaires and basic identity checks. A drug, device, vaccine, or procedure study may require consent review, full medical history, medication review, vitals, blood draw, urine test, ECG, pregnancy test, physical exam, records review, or imaging.

Ask how long the screening visit usually takes, whether you need to fast, whether you should bring medication bottles, and whether recent labs or records can be used. If the study has a narrow enrollment window, ask when results are reviewed and when you would need to return.

Items to have ready

  • Current medication names, doses, and schedule.
  • Recent medication changes, including over-the-counter drugs and supplements.
  • Major diagnoses, surgeries, hospitalizations, and allergies.
  • Recent vaccines, infections, procedures, blood donation, or other research participation.
  • Pregnancy, contraception, breastfeeding, or fertility-treatment details if relevant to eligibility.
  • Availability for screening, baseline, follow-up visits, remote check-ins, and final safety calls.

Screen-out points to ask about early

  • Lab values outside the protocol range.
  • ECG findings or blood pressure limits.
  • Medication conflicts or required washout periods.
  • Recent participation in another study.
  • Recent tobacco, alcohol, cannabis, or drug use restrictions.
  • Body weight, BMI, age, or reproductive-health criteria.
  • Schedule conflicts with dosing days, overnight stays, or follow-up windows.

Screening payment and results

Ask whether screening is paid even if you do not enroll. Some sites pay a smaller screening amount, some reimburse travel only, and some pay nothing unless the person qualifies. Ask when payment is issued and whether parking, mileage, meals, or ride-share are separate from the screening payment.

If the screening visit produces abnormal labs or findings, ask how you will be notified, whether you receive a copy, and whether the result can be sent to your clinician. A research site may not provide ongoing care, so ask where follow-up should happen if something needs medical review.

Before the screening visit

  • Confirm date, time, address, parking, and expected length.
  • Confirm fasting, caffeine, alcohol, exercise, nicotine, and medication instructions.
  • Ask what to bring and what not to bring.
  • Ask whether screening payment is paid even if labs exclude you.
  • Ask whether a support person can come if the visit is long.
  • Ask how soon qualification results are expected.

At the visit

  • Read the consent form before procedures start.
  • Ask what tests are required that day.
  • Ask whether any samples are stored for future research.
  • Ask who sees the results.
  • Ask whether any procedures are optional.
  • Ask for a copy of signed paperwork and the next-step schedule.

After screening

Write down the expected decision date, next contact person, payment expectation, and whether any results will be shared. If you do not hear back when expected, follow up with the coordinator and mention the screening date. If you screen out, ask whether the reason can be disclosed and whether any screening payment or reimbursement is still being processed.