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Glossary

The glossary explains some important terms used in clinical research and clinical trials. In addition to our own knowledge and expertise, the following sources were used to define the terms:

  • Medical Device Regulation (MDR) 2017/745
  • Medical Device Directive (MDD; Richtlinie 93/42/EWG)
  • Medical Device Act (Medizinproduktegesetz; MPG)
  • MEDDEV 2.7/1 revision 4 (MEDical DEVices)
  • ISO 14155:2020
  • ICH-GCP
Search for glossary terms (regular expression allowed)
Term Main definition
clinical investigation
A clinical investigation is any systematic investigation involving one or more human subjects, undertaken to assess the safety and performance of a device.
clinical investigation plan - CIP
A clinical investigation plan (CIP) displays the rationale, objectives, design, methodology, monitoring, statistical considerations, organization and conduct of a clinical investigation.
clinical investigation report - CIR
A clinical investigation report (CIR) describes the design, execution, statistical analysis and results of a clinical investigation.
clinical investigator
The clinical investigator is described as an individual responsible for the conduct of a clinical investigation at a clinical investigation site.
clinical performance
Clinical performance describes the ability of a medical device to achieve its intended purpose as claimed by the manufacturer.
clinical safety
Clinical safety is described by the absence of unacceptable clinical risks, when using the device according to the manufacturer’s Instructions for Use.
comparator
The comparator can be a medical device, therapy (e.g. active control), placebo or no treatment, used in the reference group in a clinical investigation.
competent authority
A competent authority is any person or organization that has the legally delegated or invested authority, capacity, or power to perform a designated function.
Clinical investigations for medical devices and performance evaluations of in vitro diagnostic agents in Germany must be approved by the competent authority and approvingly evaluated by an Ethics Committee before they may commence.

Competent authorities in Germany are BfArM and PEI.
compliance
Compliance describes the adherence to all the trial-related requirements, Good Clinical Practice requirements, and the applicable regulatory requirements.
conformity assessment
Conformity assessment means the process demonstrating whether the requirements of this Regulation relating to a device have been fulfilled.
contract research organization - CRO
A person or organization contracted by the sponsor to perform one or more of the sponsor's clinical investigation-related duties and functions.
coordinating (clinical) investigator
Clinical investigator who is appointed by the sponsor to coordinate work in a multicentre clinical investigation.
corrective action
Corrective action means action taken to eliminate the cause of a potential or actual non-conformity or other undesirable situation.
corrective and preventive action - CAPA
Corrective and preventive action (CAPA) is a process which investigates and solves problems, identifies causes, takes corrective action and prevents recurrence of the root causes.
custom-made device
A custom-made device is a medical device which is especially manufactured according to a written prescription and with specific design features and intended for the exclusive use of a patient designated by name. Mass-produced medical devices which need to be adapted to suit the specific requirements of the physician, dentist or other professional user, are not regarded as custom-made medical devices.