Glossary: Understanding Clinical Trial Terms

A clinical trial is a medical term for a controlled experiment designed to address questions about a condition or disease. It is research or an investigation that explores whether a medical strategy, treatment, or device is safe and effective (has positive benefits) for humans. The trial is sometimes called a clinical investigation or a clinical study. 

Terms related to clinical trials are fairly standard across trials, but you should always discuss with medical providers or research coordinators how each term relates to the study you are considering for your child.