If you want to be a research volunteer, there are 7 steps that you’ll be asked to follow:
- Fill out a background questionnaire
By answering questions about your lifestyle and work habits, researchers will be able to more readily pinpoint the source of any radiation detected by the body counters. For example, have you ever worked in a nuclear power plant or weapons facility? (Note: Your answers to these questions will remain confidential. Information from the questionnaire will be used only for purposes of the Internal Dosimetry Project!)
- Sign a research consent form
the consent form gives legal permission to participate in the project and also verifies that you understand the study procedures. Such a form is required in all scientific research in which people are studied.
- View a 10 minute video
the video explains the counting process step by step.
- Change into a special garment
a private changing area and lockers for your clothing and valuables are available.
- Have your height and weight recorded
these measurements enable scientists to estimate the thickness of your chest wall for calibraiton purposes.
- Lie Down and Be Counted
inside the counting room, you’ll recline on a bed. Detectors are located above and below the bed. It requires about 30 minutes for the measurements to be made. During that time you can relax, nap, or listen to your favorite music.
- Check Out
once the measurements are completed, you may change back into your own clothes and a scientists will explain the results.
Scientific research continues to improve the quality of our lives–contributing to our comfort and convenience, our safety, our health, and our happiness.
Citizen volunteers are vital to the research behind many of the technological advances that we count on today. Our lives have been enriched–and in many cases prolonged–by their willingness to serve. In addition to the study of disease and its treatment, more and more people today are joining studies to help prevent disease and to make our homes and industries safer and healthier places in which to live and work. Every year an estimated half-million people become research volunteers in controlled studies. You have a unique opportunity to be part of this special group of individuals in your local community.