| When asked to define logistics, many clinical
research professionals refer only to shipping and
transportation issues. This is a telling point; people
are often surprised when they learn how the logistical
task facing a central laboratory is so complex. Table 1
shows key aspects related to logistics in clinical
research. A central laboratory needs time to prepare
the complex logistics associated with a multicentre
trial. Logistical issues involving sample transportation
must be addressed when using a central laboratory,
which require effective time management.
ALLOW SUFFICIENT TIME
FOR STUDY SETUP
In the past, once a study protocol was
finalised and the site selected, but prior to
the first patients being recruited, a central
laboratory would be engaged. Needless
to say, most laboratories accepting this
challenge failed to provide fast, reliable
transportation logistics. Recently, this has
become less common as the advantages of
using central laboratories from the very
beginning of a clinical trial are becoming
increasingly apparent to more clinical
teams at pharmaceutical and biotech
companies. |
