No doubt you’d get your temperature taken rectally.

A number of years back, I saw an advertisement for volunteers for a clinical study. I was sent a brochure regarding the study and pre- testing and protocols for those accepted.

After the introduction regarding the study the information on what would be done was very direct, which as I read further about the actual study included the statement that “ All volunteers will have their rectal temperatures taken both during the pre admission screening and during the actual study. if this is not something you are willing to have done, please do not apply.”

I applied and Got a pre screening appointment. The day of the screening I showed up. I filled out some forms and was then brought to an examination room by two female nurses where I strippped to my jockeys and t-shirt. My height and weight were taken followed by my blood pressure and pulse.

Next one of the nurses told me to get up on the table, lay down and turn over . A moment or two later one of them was slipping my briefs down, telling me she was about to take my temperature. She grabbed a thermometer, shook it down, read it and after lubricating it, spread my buttocks and inserted the instrument leaving it in my rectum for a few minutes, then removed it.

Then after dressing, I went to a lab and X-ray area where those protocols were completed.

I was accepted. During the study, rectal temperature measurements were obtained every four hours. I was brought to my room, given my hospital wear and got onto my bed.

Then the first temperature taking was done after a DRE by one of the charge nurses. I got a fair number of rectal readings taken During the study. Most were obtained by staff nurses, both male and females.

So they were up front with their information regarding the temperature taking aspect of the screening and study. I learned from the nurses who said they were glad I had no issue with the temperature takings, that during pre screening, some volunteers who applied, had to be let go because when it came to obtaining their rectal temperatures, they balked.

I was also compensated for the study.

Sounds interesting. Do you know what they wanted to find out with this study?

I believe it had to do with liver issues affected by drinking. Now if the rectal temperatures were part of the study protocol or not, I don’t know. It could be that the facility’s protocol for studies was to obtain rectal measurements for accuracy. , and as part of taking vital signs, temperatures were to be gotten rectally.

Some time after , I was contacted and asked if I would be interested in a follow up study again related to liver issues and alcohol. I participated again.

Again the required taking of rectal temperatures and this study involved the administra of enemas, both plain water and coffee retention enemas.

Again, compensated.