Institutional review board (IRB)

Content provided by Healthwise

Institutional review board (IRB)

An institutional review board (IRB) is an independent committee made up of medical and nonmedical members, such as physicians, statisticians, and community advocates. It ensures that a clinical trial is ethical and that the rights of study participants are protected.

All institutions that conduct or support biomedical research involving people, by U.S. government regulation, must have an IRB that initially approves and periodically reviews the research.

An IRB reviews and approves protocols, informed-consent forms, physician credentials and eligibility, and other patient materials. The role of an IRB is to work closely with the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to make sure that patient safety is the main priority of a clinical trial.

Credits

Author	Jeannette Curtis
Author	Caroline Rea, RN, BS, MS
Editor	Kathleen M. Ariss, MS
Editor	Susan Van Houten, RN, BSN, MBA
Associate Editor	Tracy Landauer
Associate Editor	Pat Truman
Primary Medical Reviewer	Patrice Burgess, MD - Family Medicine
Primary Medical Reviewer	Adam Husney, MD - Family Medicine
Primary Medical Reviewer	Kathleen Romito, MD - Family Medicine
Last Updated	May 25, 2007

Last updated:	May 25, 2007
Author:	Caroline Rea, RN, BS, MS
Reviewed By:	Kathleen Romito, MD - Family Medicine
Editors:	Susan Van Houten, RN, BSN, MBA, Pat Truman

This information is not intended to replace the advice of a doctor. By using AOL Body, you indicate that you have read, understood, and agreed to our Terms of Service, and AOL Body Advertising Policy. Read more about our content partners.