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How Long Does a dOFM Study Take? A Guide for Minnesota Volunteers

Author : Jasmine James | Published On : 25 Aug 2026

If you are considering participating in a clinical research study in Minnesota, you may have come across the term dOFM study and wondered what the experience is actually like. One of the most common questions volunteers have is: How long does a dOFM study take?

The answer depends on the specific study protocol. Some dOFM studies may involve several hours of sampling and monitoring during a study visit, while others may require multiple visits or longer observation periods. For example, published dOFM research has included continuous dermal sampling for periods ranging from around 12 hours to 25 hours, depending on the study design.

At AXIS Clinicals USA, dOFM studies are conducted at its clinical research center in Minnesota, where volunteers may participate in early-phase research involving investigational medicines and topical products.

What Is a dOFM Study?

dOFM stands for Dermal Open Flow Microperfusion. It is a research technique used to collect samples from the fluid within the skin, known as dermal interstitial fluid. This allows researchers to study how a topical or other investigational product behaves directly at the site where it may act.

Unlike approaches that only measure drug levels in the blood, dOFM can provide information about drug concentrations in the skin over time. Research has demonstrated its use for continuous, time-resolved dermal pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic measurements.

For volunteers, this means the study can involve topical product application, placement of specialized dOFM probes, repeated sampling, and regular health monitoring.

So, How Long Does a dOFM Study Take?

There is no single standard duration for every dOFM study. The length depends on factors such as the investigational product, number of sampling periods, dosing schedule, blood sampling requirements, and study objectives.

A study may include several stages:

1. Screening Visit

Before joining a study, you will usually need to complete a screening process. This may include questions about your health history, medications, lifestyle, and previous clinical research participation.

The research team may also perform health checks such as vital signs, physical examinations, blood or urine testing, or an ECG, depending on the protocol.

The screening visit itself may be shorter than the main study visit, but the exact timing will be explained by the clinical research team.

2. Check-In and Preparation

If you qualify, you may be asked to return to the clinical research unit for the main study visit.

Depending on the protocol, you may need to follow certain instructions before arriving, such as fasting or avoiding particular medications, foods, beverages, or strenuous activities.

Once you arrive, the research team will review the day's procedures and make sure you understand what will happen.

3. dOFM Sampling

This is the central part of the study.

Small dOFM probes are placed in the dermis so researchers can collect interstitial fluid over time. In one published study, participants underwent baseline sampling before topical dosing, followed by continued dermal and blood sampling for up to 12 hours after dosing.

Another clinical investigation reported continuous dermal sampling for approximately 25 hours, demonstrating that study duration can vary considerably depending on the research protocol.

Your specific study may therefore require several hours at the research center, an overnight stay, or more than one visit.

4. Monitoring During the Study

While sampling is underway, trained clinical research staff monitor participants according to the study protocol.

You may have vital signs checked periodically and may undergo blood draws, questionnaires, physical assessments, or other procedures. The purpose is to collect reliable research data while also monitoring your wellbeing throughout the study.

What Can Affect the Length of a dOFM Study?

Several factors can influence how long you need to spend at the research center.

The study design: A single-dose study may have a different schedule from a multiple-dose study.

Sampling duration: Researchers may need to collect dermal samples for a specific period to understand drug concentrations over time.

Blood testing: Some dOFM studies also collect blood samples to compare dermal and plasma pharmacokinetic results.

Follow-up requirements: You may need to return for one or more follow-up visits after the main study period.

The investigational product: Different topical and transdermal products can require different procedures and observation periods.

Because of these differences, it is best to ask the study team for the exact schedule before agreeing to participate.

What Is a Typical dOFM Study Experience Like for Volunteers?

Your experience will depend entirely on the study, but you can generally expect a structured environment with trained research professionals guiding you through each stage.

You may spend part of the day completing health assessments, receiving the investigational product, undergoing dOFM sampling, and having blood or other samples collected.

The AXIS Clinicals research center in Minnesota specializes in early-phase clinical research and has dedicated capabilities in dOFM, pharmacology, dermatology, cardiac safety, and hADME studies.

Volunteers interested in skin-related research can also learn about AXIS's Dermatology Clinical Studies, while those interested in broader drug-development studies can explore its Clinical Pharmacology Services.

Are dOFM Studies Available in Minnesota?

Yes. AXIS Clinicals operates a dedicated clinical research center in Minnesota, and ClinicalTrials.gov currently lists a Phase 1 study involving dermal open-flow microperfusion at the AXIS Clinicals location in Dilworth, Minnesota. The listed study involves healthy adult participants and evaluates dermal and plasma pharmacokinetics.

Study availability changes over time, however, so volunteers should always review the current eligibility criteria and enrollment status before applying.

What Should You Ask Before Joining a dOFM Study?

Before participating, make sure you understand:

  • How many visits are required

  • How long each visit may take

  • Whether an overnight stay is required

  • How many dOFM probes may be used

  • How frequently samples will be collected

  • What restrictions apply before or during the study

  • What follow-up visits are required

  • Whether compensation is offered and under what conditions

The study team should provide you with the information needed to make an informed decision.

Considering a dOFM Study in Minnesota?

A dOFM study can involve anything from a focused several-hour research visit to a more extended monitoring period, depending on the study protocol. Understanding the expected schedule before enrollment can help you decide whether a particular study fits your availability.

If you are considering participating, speak directly with the research team about the study's schedule, eligibility requirements, procedures, and what will be expected from you before making your decision.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does a dOFM study usually take?

There is no standard duration. The study protocol determines the schedule. Published research has included sampling periods of about 12 hours and, in another study, up to 25 hours.

Do dOFM studies require an overnight stay?

Some may, but not all. Whether you stay overnight depends on the sampling schedule, dosing requirements, and other procedures included in the protocol.

Are dOFM studies painful?

dOFM involves placement of probes in the dermis, so volunteers may experience some discomfort associated with the procedure. The research team should explain the procedure and what you may experience before participation.

Can healthy volunteers participate in dOFM studies?

Yes. dOFM research has been conducted in healthy volunteers, and current Phase 1 research at an AXIS Clinicals site in Minnesota includes healthy adult participants. Eligibility depends on the individual study's criteria.

What types of products can be studied using dOFM?

dOFM is particularly useful for research involving topical and dermatological products because it can provide information about drug concentrations directly within the skin. AXIS Clinicals incorporates dOFM into its dermatology and clinical pharmacology capabilities.

Where can I learn about clinical research opportunities in Minnesota?

You can visit the AXIS Clinicals USA website to learn more about current research capabilities and participation opportunities. Availability and eligibility vary by study.