Clinical research organization
Clinical Research Organization (also known as CRO) is a service organization that provides support to the pharmaceutical industry, biotechnology, and medical device industry in the form of research services outsourced on a contract basis.
Pronunciation
- Clinical: /ˈklɪnɪkəl/
- Research: /rɪˈsɜːrʃ/
- Organization: /ˌɔːɡənaɪˈzeɪʃən/
Etymology
The term "Clinical Research Organization" is derived from the English language. "Clinical" comes from the Greek word "klinike" meaning "bedside", "Research" is derived from the Old French "recercher" meaning "to seek out, search closely", and "Organization" comes from the Greek "organon" meaning "tool or instrument, organ of sense or apprehension".
Functions
A CRO provides numerous services including biostatistical analysis, data management, project management, clinical trial data management, regulatory affairs, and medical writing. These organizations can also provide advanced services like electronic data capture, randomization, and blinding.
Types of Clinical Research Organizations
There are several types of CROs including full-service CROs and specialized CROs. Full-service CROs offer an end-to-end solution, from drug discovery to post-marketing surveillance. Specialized CROs, on the other hand, offer specific services like clinical trial management, data management, and biostatistics.
Related Terms
- Pharmaceutical industry
- Biotechnology
- Medical device industry
- Biostatistical analysis
- Data management
- Project management
- Clinical trial data management
- Regulatory affairs
- Medical writing
- Electronic data capture
- Randomization
- Blinding
- Drug discovery
- Post-marketing surveillance
- Clinical trial management
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