Understanding how to read clinical trials can help you make informed decisions about enrolling in a study. This guide will help you understand clinical trials by explaining the important parts you will find in most studies.
 

Trial Reference Number

Upon registration, the National Clinical Trial (NCT) number is a unique identifier assigned to a clinical trial by ClinicalTrials.gov. The format is “NCTXXXXXXXX,” and a trial isn’t officially registered until it receives this number.

 

Trial Name

This is the official title of a clinical trial, often describing the study in detail. Some trials also have a shorter, more accessible title for the public.

 

Trial Purpose

The main goal of the clinical trial is to test a treatment, prevention method, diagnostic tool, quality of life support, or screening approach.

 

Eligibility

Eligibility criteria are a set of requirements for those who wish to join the trial. These include inclusion criteria (such as age, condition, or other factors required to participate) and exclusion criteria (factors that would prevent someone from participating).

 

About the Trial/Trial Design

Describes the research methods and strategies used in the trial to test the study’s goals and outcomes.

 

Trial Phases

Clinical trials are categorized by phase, ranging from 1 to 4, each indicating different study goals, participant numbers, and trial characteristics.

 

Trial Dates

The start date marks when the first participant is enrolled in the trial; if labeled “estimated,” it’s the projected start date researchers plan for the study.