Rules for Volunteers


When you volunteer to participate in a clinical trial, there are certain rules and restrictions you must adhere to. These rules are designed to ensure both the quality of the results of the trial and your safety.

The following rules are obligatory for almost all clinical trials and should be followed from the week before the start of the trial right through to your follow-up examination.    

  • Taking part in sporting activities or unaccustomed physical exertion should be avoided, as this type of activity may interfere with the results of your blood tests.
  • Spicy and fatty foods should be avoided, as well as foods containing large amounts of onions and garlic. These types of food can also affect the quality of your blood test results.
  • Avoid foods containing poppy seeds (such as poppy seed rolls or poppy seed cake), as these may show up as opiates in your blood.
  •  Avoid food or drinks containing quinine (such as tonic water or bitter lemon, for example), as these affect the metabolism of many medications and may lead to dangerous drug interactions.
  • Do not consume alcohol or other drugs or tablets, as these may react with the trial substance to cause dangerous drug interactions and provide inaccurate test results. If, for example, you develop a sudden cold during the trial, please make sure that you contact the study doctor before taking any medication.
  • Do not use the sauna, as the associated heart, circulatory and metabolic reactions will negatively affect the results of the trial.
  • Do not sunbathe or visit a tanning studio, as many medications can considerably increase the skin’s sensitivity to UV radiation.
  • As you will be required to have a number of blood samples taken during the trial, you should not give blood for three months before and after the trial.
  • Unless otherwise agreed, please fast before having blood taken (i.e. do not eat, drink, smoke or chew gum after 10 pm on the night before your appointment).
  • Each trial is subject to specific regulations concerning coffee consumption and smoking.