Chemical Warfare Secrets Almost Forgotten
Clinical Facilities
The clinical laboratory was well equipped. At first, men were tested in a converted barracks unit and attended continuously during each test by psychology technicians. Later, registered research nurses were hired and specially designed padded test areas were constructed. The previous day was spent by the men in the same environment in which testing would occur, and they became familiar with the staff and procedures. Close monitoring was maintained for as long as effects were present.
Equipment used to measure effects included chemical assay facilities, clinical laboratory to measure variables such as blood levels of agents, metabolic changes, and detailed screening of blood and urine to detect any evidence of toxicity.
Electroencephalographic recordings (EEG) and electrocardiograms (EKG) were included in the screening battery for each subject and if any abnormality was present, the subject was then excluded from certain tests. A “physiograph” machine was sometimes used for continuous monitoring of changes in heart rate, blood pressure and other vital signs.
We were fortunate to have one of the first closed circuit television systems used extensively to record behavioral changes during drug tests. The tapes were valuable in the creation of films for educational purposes and for the briefing of review committees and senior officials.
Equipment used to measure effects included chemical assay facilities, clinical laboratory to measure variables such as blood levels of agents, metabolic changes, and detailed screening of blood and urine to detect any evidence of toxicity.
Electroencephalographic recordings (EEG) and electrocardiograms (EKG) were included in the screening battery for each subject and if any abnormality was present, the subject was then excluded from certain tests. A “physiograph” machine was sometimes used for continuous monitoring of changes in heart rate, blood pressure and other vital signs.
We were fortunate to have one of the first closed circuit television systems used extensively to record behavioral changes during drug tests. The tapes were valuable in the creation of films for educational purposes and for the briefing of review committees and senior officials.
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Dr. Margaret Filbert, pharmacologist, uses a photoflurometric technique to assay plasma levels of LSD, a technique first developed at Edgewood Arsenal
Closed circuit television system is operated and maintained by television engineer Lloyd Matter, who made himself available day or night as needed
Chemist Bill Groff has responsibility to inventory, dispense and insure purity of chemical agents used in experimental procedures
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© 2006/2007
J.S. Ketchum
J.S. Ketchum
Documenting a Lost Decade of Clinical Research
Early configurations of the test ward (1960). Technicians kept watch and recorded changes produced by chemical agents. Psychoactive drug testing required padded areas