Clinical research is the comprehensive study of the safety and effectiveness of the

most promising advances in patient care. Clinical research is different than

laboratory research. It involves people who volunteer to help us better understand

medicine and health. Lab research generally does not involve people — although it

helps us learn which new ideas may help people.

Every drug, device, tool, diagnostic test, technique and technology used in

medicine today was once tested in volunteers who took part in clinical research

studies.