Frequently Asked Questions - FAQs

Your Guide to Clinical Trial Participation

Want to learn more about LINQ Research LLC? Have a question? We are here to ensure that your
participation is as safe and informed as possible.

A clinical trial is a research study with human participants to evaluate the safety and effectiveness of medical treatments, drugs, or interventions. These trials develop new therapies and improve existing ones, typically conducted in phases to ensure safety and efficacy.

Participation in a clinical trial is open to people of all ages, health statuses, ethnicities, and backgrounds—no insurance or proof of legal status is typically required. However, eligibility depends on specific criteria defined by the researchers for each trial. Some trials recruit healthy volunteers, while others require participants with certain medical conditions or medical histories, so eligibility may vary between trials.

Each clinical trial is different, but participation typically includes pre-screening, screening to confirm eligibility, and follow-up visits to monitor safety and effectiveness. Visits usually occur in a clinic and feel like regular doctor appointments, with some check-ins done by phone or online. You’ll be asked to follow study instructions, take medications as directed, attend scheduled visits, and report any changes. Throughout the trial, you’ll stay in contact with the study team. Participation is always voluntary, and you can withdraw at any time.

Each clinical trial has specific inclusion and exclusion criteria, so eligibility can vary. You may qualify for one study but not another. To find out if you're eligible, contact our Patient Enrollment Specialist team at (281) 667-4622 to explore current trial options.

By participating, you may gain access to new treatments before they are widely available and receive expert medical care from a dedicated research team. Your involvement helps advance medical research, contributing to better treatments for future patients. Additionally, you can take a more active role in your healthcare and learn more about your condition.

Our studies are conveniently located across Pearland, TX and surrounding areas Here are some of our locations:
  • 2743 Smith Ranch Road, Pearland, Texas, 77584
  • 11021 Shadow Creek Parkway #102, Pearland, TX, 77584
  • 3244 Meridiana Parkway, Suite 600, Rosharon, TX 77583
  • 7103 S Peek Rd Ste 520, Richmond, TX 77407
  • 21800 Katy Fwy #240, Katy, TX 77449
If you have any specific questions or need further details, it's best to contact us directly at (281) 916-4220 or contact us here

The duration of your involvement in a clinical trial can vary depending on the study. Typically, it lasts from a few weeks to several years. The trial coordinator will provide you with specific details regarding the timeline and what to expect during the trial.

The risks and benefits of clinical trials vary by study, but all trials are governed by strict ethical guidelines and overseen by the FDA and an Institutional Review Board (IRB) to ensure participant safety.

Before participating, you'll undergo an informed consent process, which explains the trial's details, investigational treatments, required visits, and potential risks. Our team will provide all the information you need and answer any questions.

By participating, you benefit yourself and contribute to advancing medical knowledge. Your involvement paves the way for innovative treatments and improved care, making a lasting impact on countless lives. It’s an opportunity to be a hero in the field of medicine.

No, there is typically no cost to participate in a clinical trial. Study-related treatments and procedures are usually covered by the trial sponsor.

It’s important to take your time to discuss any concerns or questions you may have with the trial coordinator, ensuring you have all the information needed to make an informed decision. Feel free to ask any other questions—your understanding and comfort are our top priorities. Here are some questions you might consider before joining a trial:
  • What is the purpose of the study?
  • How long will my involvement last?
  • Has the drug been tested or approved before?
  • What are the potential risks and benefits?
  • What does the study entail, including treatments and tests?

No, your insurance will not be billed for study-related procedures or treatments, as these are typically covered by the trial sponsor. However, you may be responsible for costs related to routine medical care, non-study treatments, or any complications unrelated to the trial.

Yes, you can withdraw from a clinical trial at any time after it begins, for any reason, without facing penalties or losing any benefits. Your participation is entirely voluntary, and you have the right to stop at any point. If you choose to withdraw, the study team will guide you through the process and ensure your safety and well-being.

A placebo is a substance or treatment with no therapeutic effect, often used as a control in clinical trials. It's designed to look, taste, or feel like the actual drug or treatment being tested but doesn't contain any active ingredients. The purpose of using a placebo is to help researchers determine the true effect of the treatment by comparing the outcomes in the group receiving the placebo to those in the group receiving the actual treatment.

You may receive either a placebo or the actual treatment, depending on the design of the clinical trial. In most studies, participants are randomly assigned to either group to maintain unbiased results and ensure the study's integrity. If the trial is blinded, you won't know which group you're in until the trial concludes.

Whether you find out if you received a placebo depends on the design of the study. In blinded trials, participants generally don't learn this until the study ends, or in some cases, they may never be informed. If the trial is unblinded, you could be told after the study concludes. You can always ask the medical coordinator for details on how and when this information might be revealed.

yes, all medical records and research data are kept confidential under HIPAA law. Personal identities are never disclosed, sold, or shared.

After a clinical trial ends, researchers analyze the data to assess the treatment's effectiveness and safety. Participants may receive a summary of the results, and if the trial was blinded, they'll learn whether they received the active treatment or placebo. Some trials include follow-up to monitor long-term effects. If successful, the treatment may undergo regulatory review for approval.