What are clinical trials?
Clinical trials are research studies that test how well new medical treatments and interventions work in people.
What is clinicaltrials.gov?
ClinicalTrials.gov is a website maintained by the National Library of Medicine that provides information about publicly funded clinical studies in the United States.
How do I log in to clinicaltrials.gov?
You can log in to clinicaltrials.gov by using your email address and password.
Where can I find clinical trials near me?
You can find clinical trials near you by searching on clinicaltrials.gov or by asking your doctor or healthcare provider.
What is the purpose of a clinical trial?
The purpose of a clinical trial is to test the safety and effectiveness of new medical treatments or interventions in people.
What are the different phases of clinical trials?
There are four phases of clinical trials: Phase I, Phase II, Phase III, and Phase IV.
What happens during Phase I of a clinical trial?
During Phase I of a clinical trial, a small group of people (usually healthy volunteers) are given the new treatment to test its safety and determine the optimal dosage.
What happens during Phase II of a clinical trial?
During Phase II of a clinical trial, a larger group of people (usually patients with the target condition) are given the new treatment to test its effectiveness and monitor side effects.
What happens during Phase III of a clinical trial?
During Phase III of a clinical trial, the new treatment is compared to existing treatments or placebos in a large group of people (usually patients with the target condition) to determine its safety and effectiveness.
What happens during Phase IV of a clinical trial?
During Phase IV of a clinical trial, the new treatment is monitored in a much larger population over an extended period of time to further evaluate its safety, effectiveness, and long-term effects.
What is the purpose of a clinical trials unit?
A clinical trials unit is a dedicated team of professionals that oversees and manages clinical trials to ensure they are conducted safely, efficiently, and ethically.
What is LabCorp's role in clinical trials?
LabCorp may provide laboratory testing services for clinical trials, including diagnostic and genetic testing.
Are clinical trial participants paid?
Some clinical trials offer compensation for participation, including payment for time, travel expenses, and any discomfort or inconvenience experienced during the trial.
How long do clinical trials typically last?
The length of a clinical trial varies depending on the phase of the trial and the complexity of the treatment being tested. Phase I trials typically last a few months, while Phase III trials can last several years.
Who can participate in a clinical trial?
The eligibility criteria for clinical trials vary depending on the specific trial, but typically patients with the target condition or healthy volunteers can participate.
What is informed consent in a clinical trial?
Informed consent is the process of providing potential clinical trial participants with all the information they need to make an informed decision about whether or not to participate in the trial.
What are the risks of participating in a clinical trial?
The risks of participating in a clinical trial vary depending on the specific trial, but may include side effects from the treatment being tested, discomfort or inconvenience from testing procedures, and the possibility of the treatment not being effective.
What are the benefits of participating in a clinical trial?
The benefits of participating in a clinical trial may include access to new treatments or interventions before they are widely available, the opportunity to contribute to medical research, and close monitoring and care from healthcare professionals.
How are clinical trials regulated?
Clinical trials are regulated by various government agencies, including the FDA in the United States, to ensure they are conducted safely, ethically, and with the highest scientific standards.
What happens if a clinical trial is successful?
If a clinical trial is successful, the treatment being tested may be approved for use by regulatory agencies and become available to the public.
What happens if a clinical trial is unsuccessful?
If a clinical trial is unsuccessful, the treatment being tested may not be approved for use and further research may be needed before it can be tested again.
How can I find out about opportunities to participate in clinical trials?
You can find out about opportunities to participate in clinical trials by asking your doctor or healthcare provider, searching on clinicaltrials.gov, or contacting a clinical trial unit or research center in your area.
What is a placebo?
A placebo is an inactive substance or treatment that looks identical to the active treatment being tested in a clinical trial. It is used to test the effectiveness of the active treatment by comparing its effects to those of the placebo.
Can I withdraw from a clinical trial?
Yes, you can withdraw from a clinical trial at any time for any reason without penalty.
What is a double-blind study?
A double-blind study is a type of clinical trial in which neither the participants nor the researchers know who is receiving the active treatment and who is receiving the placebo until the study is complete.
What is a randomized clinical trial?
A randomized clinical trial is a type of clinical trial in which participants are randomly assigned to receive either the active treatment being tested or a placebo or another treatment for comparison.
Why are clinical trials important?
Clinical trials are important because they provide critical information about the safety and effectiveness of new medical treatments and interventions, which can help improve health outcomes and save lives.
Who funds clinical trials?
Clinical trials may be funded by a variety of sources, including government agencies, pharmaceutical companies, non-profit organizations, and academic institutions.
Do clinical trials always involve new treatments?
No, some clinical trials may be designed to evaluate existing treatments or interventions for new uses or in different populations.
Are clinical trials only conducted in the United States?
No, clinical trials are conducted all over the world to test the safety and effectiveness of new medical treatments and interventions.
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