An important component of multicenter studies is the implementation of appropriate Core Laboratories which analyze pertinent technical information to complement the general data collected at the participating sites and provide standardized, independent measurements of key trial information.
Core laboratories can enhance the scientific potential of each trial by providing highly specialized data related to the main question posed by the study, and also by testing additional hypotheses formulated during the conduct (or course) of the trial or after its termination.
The purpose of a Core Lab is to:
- provide an unbiased interpretation of the results of imaging and biological samples obtained in pharmaceutical or device research studies
- reduce inter-observer variability and increase the accuracy and precision of the results
- provide standardized image acquisition training to investigators to ensure consistent high quality imaging across all enrolling centers
- establish and oversee compliance with imaging and sample collection protocol guidelines
- provide quality assurance of imaging and sample collection and the associated data.