A good test subject is hard to find

After retiring from the Days Inn a few years ago, Mary Music found entertainment and friendship in an unlikely place.

About five years ago, she started visiting BioScience Laboratories as a volunteer "test subject" for something to do and to make some extra cash; she can't remember if she first heard about the lab from the newspaper or a friend.

But, somehow, Music became one of the lab's most reliable volunteers.

"We definitely appreciate your being so loyal," Daryl Paulson, director of the company, said at a birthday celebration for Music last week. "We would have no way of knowing if these things work unless we can test them on someone."

The lab needs volunteers to help test topical antimicrobials, which are supposed to reduce the presence of microorganisms on the skin.

It also tests solutions used to clean skin before surgery, and soaps used by surgeons.

BioScience is highly regulated by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration and, according to agency rules, Music can no longer participate in the clinical trials.

She turned 71 last week, making her no longer within the age eligibility requirements.

"This has been a wonderful experience for me," Music said. "When you're retired, you don't have a lot to do."

And employees at the lab have come to depend on Music when they are in a bind.

"There are certain people you can call when you need to finish a study (who) will always do what you say," said Robert McCormack, a BioScience study director. "Mary's been at the top of the list."

Music said she has been willing to participate as often as BioScience would allow her through the years. Test subjects have to wait 30 days between studies.

Each time she visited the lab, Music said, it was an adventure.

She always wondered what experiment was in store for her and what part she would have to play. Sometimes test subjects are the patients preparing for surgery and sometimes they are the surgeon getting ready for work.

She also met interesting people while waiting the three or four hours for a study to be complete. College students, retired folks and housewives are among the many volunteers who often sign up to be tested.

When friends ask Music about the experience, she'll gladly explain how it works and tell them not to be afraid.

"They don't do anything that hurts anybody," she said. "I'm too old to come back, but I still have nice skin."