CCU Volunteer Trials

The CCU provided a facility for volunteer studies in virology, which was adequately isolated for a ten-day volunteer trial. This allowed for an intensive clinical and virological study of groups of volunteers inoculated with viruses. Within these settings, CCU staff were able to investigate the causes of colds and how viruses are transmitted. A new batch of up to 30 volunteers arrived every two weeks, allowing for a systematic, continuous and large scale investigation.

The trials involved the inoculation of viruses via nasal drops, some of which could cause a mild illness, others which contained a placebo. Over the ten day period, CCU staff monitored the results, making observations, and collecting samples of blood, nasal fluids and urine to record symptoms. In addition, volunteers were asked to complete daily surveys about their health.

Volunteers were placed in isolation to ensure that any symptoms were the result of inoculation and not from contact with the outside world. To avoid the possibility that a volunteer could have become infected on their journey to the CCU, the test material was not administered until a few days after arrival, and volunteers were monitored closely both pre and post inoculation. The experiment was also placebo-controlled and double-blind to reduce any potential bias.

Volunteers had to be healthy and aged 18 - 50. Board, lodgings, and travel expenses were also paid for, and volunteers were able to take walks in the Salisbury countryside, and participate in other activities and games. Many volunteers participated on multiple occasions.

The CCU publicised the programme through press releases and media interviews. The CCU also contacted universities to ask for their help in advertising the programme to students. The programme received a significant amount of media interest, and, as a result, trials were often oversubscribed.

Between 1946 and 1990, around 20 000 volunteers took part in the common cold trial at Salisbury.

Includes correspondence relating to volunteer trials; medical notes and observations from volunteer trials; and information circulated to volunteers.

1946-1986

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