When it comes to medical terms, you've probably heard of clinical trials. However, that doesn't mean that you really know what they are, how they work, or why they are so important. Clinical research has to be done, though, so that doctors and researchers can find what works, what does not work, and what kinds of side effects will be seen. If you want to participate in a clinical trial - often because you will be paid for your time - think carefully about what you're doing. The drugs or procedures that you are given could be dangerous. Of course these have been tested on animals, usually, or tested in the laboratory in other ways, but the reason that they are in clinical trials is to see if they are safe for humans to take or use. There are only certain people who can participate in a clinical trial. It depends on the specific trial and what the drug or procedure is for. There may be age restrictions, and overall health may be considered as well, as there could be conditions that would render a person ineligible for any type of clinical trial.

If you find that you're eligible, one of the benefits can be the idea that you'll get a medication or treatment that wouldn't otherwise be available to you. These things can sometimes save lives. What exactly happens, though, depends on what the trial is for. There are some differences based on whether the trial is for a medication or a procedure, who the participants are, and what types of side effects might be involved (i.e. how closely the trial participants must be monitored). By participating you'll be helping others, too, because trials that go well make for drugs and procedures that can be used on others. The risks have to be considered, however, because they can be life-altering and even life-threatening in some cases. The benefits that a person might receive from clinical research have to be carefully weighed against the dangers that are present, so that your consent to the trial is well-informed and you know the potential risks.