What Does “Randomization in a Clinical Trial” Mean?
For the many organizations that conduct clinical trials, ensuring the accuracy and applicability of their study results is crucial. To make sure their study results are not biased by any unexpected factors and that the information gained from the study is applicable to the scientific and medical population, researchers utilize “randomization in clinical trials”.
What is meant by “randomization” in a clinical study?
When researchers talk about “random” testing procedures regarding clinical studies, they are usually referring to the random selection of participants and/or the random application of treatments being tested.
Proper randomization is a key component in getting the study to be regarded as valid by the scientific and medical community, and help to showcase the effectiveness of the treatment under study.
How does randomization in clinical trials happen?
There are multiple ways controlled studies and trials can be randomized. For instance, “simple random selection” involves the randomness of the participants drawn from the general population. Even in these trials, however, participants will still have to meet certain eligibility criteria.
“Random allocation” means various levels of the treatment are applied to each participant at random; often, but not always, one control or “placebo” group* will receive no treatment. The two (or more) groups are both studied to see any variations between them. The multiple groups are followed at the same time to see the various effects of their treatment levels without other outside factors present.
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DaVita Clinical Research (DCR) is a research organization that conducts research on behalf of medical and pharmaceutical partners. DCR trials follow strict guidelines to promote accuracy and effectiveness, such as randomization. To find out more about DCR trials or to find out if participating in a clinical trial is right for you, talk to a DCR recruiter today.
*Not all studies have a “placebo” group who receive no active treatment; if you have questions about receiving a placebo, ask your recruiter.
Disclaimer: Phase 1 (in-patient) clinical trials are not intended to treat a disease or condition. Phase 3 (out-patient) clinical trials may help treat an existing disease or condition. The information presented in this blog may be referring to either a phase 1 clinical trial or to a phase 3 clinical trial or to both. If you contact us regarding a trial, be sure to speak with the recruiter about whether or not the trial is intended to treat a condition.