User's blog

Category: Trial Matching & Pre-Screening

  • Eligibility Basics

    Before enrolling in any clinical trial, all participants must meet specific eligibility criteria. These criteria are set by the study’s sponsor and reviewed by ethics committees to ensure participant safety and scientific accuracy.

    At DecenTrialz, we introduce you to these eligibility principles during the pre-screening stage so that you can make informed decisions and avoid being matched with studies that are not appropriate for your individual profile.

    What does “Eligibility” mean in a clinical trial?

    In the context of clinical research, eligibility refers to the defined rules that determine who can or cannot participate in a particular study. These rules are based on:

    • The objectives and scientific goals of the study
    • The treatment or intervention being tested
    • Safety considerations specific to the trial
    • Characteristics required for valid data collection

    Eligibility criteria are developed by the trial sponsor—such as a pharmaceutical or biotechnology company—and reviewed by Institutional Review Boards (IRBs) and regulatory agencies.

    While formal eligibility is determined by the research site during screening, DecenTrialz uses a general version of these criteria in its pre-screener to help guide trial matching.

    Two Types of Criteria: Inclusion and Exclusion

    Eligibility is made up of two types of conditions that work together to define who can participate:

    Inclusion criteria

    These are the requirements you must meet in order to qualify for a study. Examples include:

    • Being within a specific age range
    • Having a diagnosis of the condition being studied
    • Meeting certain health markers or lab values

    Exclusion criteria

    These are conditions or factors that would prevent you from joining a particular study, usually to protect your safety or ensure accurate results. Examples include:

    • Having a co-existing medical condition that could interfere with the trial
    • Being pregnant or breastfeeding
    • Taking medications that may interact with the investigational treatment

    See below [Inclusion & Exclusion Criteria] for more detailed examples and guidance.

    Why eligibility criteria matter

    These criteria are not intended to exclude individuals unfairly. Rather, they serve several essential purposes:

    • Participant Safety: Minimizing health risks for volunteers
    • Scientific Validity: Ensuring data collected reflects the research question
    • Ethical Oversight: Guaranteeing fair treatment and regulatory compliance under IRB supervision

    Even if you appear to meet most of the criteria, only the research site has the authority to confirm eligibility following a full review of your health history and study requirements.

    How DecenTrialz supports the eligibility process

    • We use simplified eligibility logic in the pre-screener to help suggest trials that may align with your profile
    • You are never denied access to the platform if no match is found—you may update your responses at any time
    • If you are uncertain about your eligibility, we encourage you to speak directly with a study team, as outlined in [Can I Speak to Someone Before Joining?]

    Key Note: Eligibility is not a personal evaluation of your health, value, or importance. It is a safety-focused, scientifically determined process that ensures ethical and reliable clinical research. DecenTrialz helps you explore appropriate studies, but the final eligibility decision always rests with the clinical research team.

    Inclusion & exclusion criteria

    Every clinical trial is governed by a specific set of inclusion and exclusion criteria. These criteria determine who may be eligible to participate in a study and are critical for ensuring the safety of participants and the scientific reliability of the research.

    Understanding these criteria can help you decide whether to move forward with a clinical trial opportunity.

    What are inclusion criteria?

    Inclusion criteria are the specific traits or conditions a person must meet to be considered for participation in a clinical trial. These criteria are selected to support the study’s scientific objectives and ensure participant safety.

    Examples of common inclusion criteria:

    • Being within a certain age range (e.g., 18 to 65 years)
    • Having a confirmed diagnosis of the condition under study (e.g., Type 2 diabetes, asthma, depression)
    • Meeting specific lab test results or symptom severity thresholds
    • Willingness to comply with study procedures (e.g., attending clinic visits, using a mobile app, or wearing a monitoring device)
    • Residing within a specific geographic radius from the trial site

    Important: Meeting inclusion criteria does not guarantee that you will be accepted into the study. It means you may be considered for further screening.

    What are exclusion criteria?

    Exclusion criteria are the conditions, factors, or circumstances that disqualify someone from participating in a given study. These criteria are often established to minimize risks, prevent interference with study outcomes, or ensure participant well-being.

    Examples of common exclusion criteria:

    • Being pregnant or currently breastfeeding
    • Having another serious medical condition (e.g., advanced kidney disease, active cancer)
    • Taking medications that could interact with the investigational product
    • Recent participation in another clinical trial (e.g., within the last 30 days)
    • History of substance misuse or recent psychiatric hospitalization (depending on the study protocol)

    These criteria are not personal judgments — they are protective measures designed in accordance with ethical research practices.

    Why these criteria exist

    Eligibility criteria are developed through careful planning by the study sponsor and reviewed by Institutional Review Boards (IRBs), ethics committees, and regulatory agencies such as the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA). They are designed to:

    • Safeguard participant health and minimize risk
    • Ensure the investigational treatment is tested in a scientifically valid way
    • Maintain consistency in study results by reducing confounding variables
    • Comply with ethical and regulatory frameworks

    How DecenTrialz applies these criteria

    During the pre-screening process, DecenTrialz:

    • Uses simplified versions of the inclusion and exclusion criteria to suggest trials that may be appropriate for your profile
    • Does not make final eligibility decisions — this is always handled by the clinical research site after a detailed medical review
    • Encourages you to ask questions and seek clarification if you are unsure about any eligibility factor

    Key Note: Meeting inclusion criteria and avoiding exclusion criteria does not guarantee enrollment in a trial. The final determination is made solely by the clinical research team based on a comprehensive review of your medical information. DecenTrialz provides early guidance to support your exploration but does not approve or deny participation.

    Healthy volunteer eligibility

    Not all clinical trials are limited to individuals with a diagnosed medical condition. Many studies are specifically designed for healthy volunteers, individuals who do not have the condition being studied but are willing to participate in research that supports scientific advancement and public health.

    This section outlines who qualifies as a healthy volunteer, the types of studies that may involve them, and how eligibility is determined.

    Who Is considered a healthy volunteer?

    A healthy volunteer is typically someone who:

    • Has no chronic illness or relevant medical diagnosis
    • Is not currently undergoing treatment for a serious condition
    • Reports being in overall good physical and mental health
    • Meets general eligibility criteria such as age, weight, lifestyle habits, and other non-medical factors

    Some studies may still include additional requirements, such as:

    • Body Mass Index (BMI) within a specific range
    • No history of certain surgeries or substance use
    • No recent participation in other clinical trials (e.g., within the last 30–90 days)

    Eligibility is always defined by the research protocol and may vary from one study to another.

    What do healthy volunteers contribute to?

    Healthy volunteers are essential in a wide range of clinical research, particularly in:

    • Phase 1 trials, which test new medications for safety, dosage, and side effects
    • Preventive or wellness studies, such as vaccine trials or lifestyle interventions
    • Behavioral and observational research, including studies involving digital tools, nutrition tracking, or wearable devices

    By participating, healthy volunteers help researchers:

    • Understand how investigational products interact with the human body
    • Compare results between individuals with and without the condition being studied
    • Generate baseline data that supports future medical breakthroughs

    How matching works for healthy volunteers on DecenTrialz

    If you indicate in the pre-screener that you are in good general health:

    • The platform filters for trials actively seeking healthy volunteers
    • You will not be shown condition-specific trials unless they allow participation from healthy individuals (e.g., as part of a control group)
    • You may be matched with studies related to prevention, early diagnostics, general health, or lifestyle research

    Even if you do not have a medical condition, you must still meet the study’s eligibility requirements. Final eligibility is confirmed by the research site after a formal screening process.

    Is it safe to participate as a healthy volunteer?

    Yes. All clinical trials — including those involving healthy volunteers — are subject to:

    • Ethical oversight by Institutional Review Boards (IRBs)
    • Compliance with national and international research regulations
    • Mandatory informed consent processes

    Before participating, you will receive:

    • A clear explanation of potential risks, study procedures, and your rights
    • Opportunities to ask questions at any time
    • The ability to withdraw from the study for any reason, without penalty

    Key Note: Healthy volunteers play a vital role in the advancement of medical science. Whether contributing to the development of safer treatments, preventive strategies, or digital health tools, your involvement supports future care innovations. DecenTrialz will only match you with studies suitable for individuals without a diagnosed condition, and participation is always voluntary.

  • What types of trials might I be matched to?

    The types of clinical trials you may be matched to on the DecenTrialz platform are based entirely on the information you provide during the pre-screening process. This includes your general health status, current or past medical conditions, symptoms (if any), geographic location, and preferences regarding travel or remote participation.

    This section provides an overview of the primary trial categories you may be matched with and what to expect if a match occurs.

    How matches are determined

    DecenTrialz uses your responses to the pre-screener to evaluate alignment with general eligibility parameters submitted by trial sponsors or research sites. If your information corresponds to these parameters, you may be matched to:

    • One or more actively recruiting clinical trials
    • Trials located in your region or offering remote participation options
    • Studies seeking individuals with specific conditions, risk factors, or healthy volunteer profiles

    Please note: A match does not indicate formal qualification or enrollment. It is a preliminary indication of possible eligibility. All matched trials require additional screening by the research site team before enrollment can occur.

    Common trial types you may be matched

    1. Condition-Specific Trials

    These trials recruit participants who have a confirmed diagnosis of a particular medical condition. Examples include:

    • Type 2 Diabetes
    • Asthma or COPD
    • Depression or Anxiety Disorders
    • Migraine or Chronic Headache
    • Autoimmune Conditions (e.g., Lupus, Rheumatoid Arthritis)

    During pre-screening, you may be asked about your diagnosis, current treatment regimen, and symptom severity to determine alignment with the trial’s criteria.

    2. Preventive or Wellness Trials

    These studies often focus on individuals who are at risk of developing a condition or are interested in preventive care strategies. Common examples include:

    • Vaccine development trials
    • Lifestyle intervention studies (e.g., diet, exercise, or stress management)
    • Genetic screening or early detection research

    These trials may or may not require a current diagnosis and are often open to broader participant groups.

    3. Healthy Volunteer Trials

    If you report being in good general health with no major diagnoses, you may be eligible for trials specifically designed for healthy individuals. These trials typically involve:

    • Phase 1 drug or device safety studies
    • Observational studies for baseline physiological or behavioral data
    • Research on sleep, nutrition, exercise, or digital health tools

    For more details, see [Healthy Volunteer Eligibility].

    4. Remote or Decentralized Trials

    Depending on your geographic location and available studies, you may be matched to trials that offer:

    • Fully virtual participation via mobile applications or telehealth
    • Hybrid designs combining in-person and remote procedures
    • Home-based study kits, wearable devices, or remote monitoring tools

    These models are particularly beneficial for individuals with limited access to clinical trial sites or who prefer minimal travel.

    What you will see If a match occurs

    If your responses result in one or more potential matches, the platform will display:

    • The title of each trial and a brief description of the study’s focus
    • The location of the research site or confirmation of remote participation
    • A summary of basic eligibility criteria
    • A clear option to learn more or request a referral to the research site

    You are never automatically enrolled in a trial. All participation decisions are made voluntarily and require your informed consent before any further steps are taken.

    Key Note: The types of trials you may be matched with depend on your submitted responses, your location, and the availability of studies at the time of pre-screening. If no match is currently available, you may return at a later time or update your profile. New trials are added regularly to the DecenTrialz platform.

  • Can I speak to someone before joining?

    Yes. Participants are encouraged to speak with a support representative prior to proceeding with any referral or next steps.

    At DecenTrialz, we recognize that choosing to participate in a clinical trial is a personal and significant decision. Individuals may wish to seek clarification before continuing, particularly if they have questions regarding eligibility, trial details, data privacy, or next steps in the process.

    This section outlines who you may speak with, what type of support is available, and how to request assistance at any stage of the pre-screening or trial-matching process.

    When it may be helpful to speak with someone

    You may consider contacting support if:

    • You have questions about a specific trial or matching results
    • You are uncertain whether your medical history may impact eligibility
    • You would like additional information about how referrals work
    • You are seeking clarification on data privacy or information handling
    • You would prefer reassurance or further explanation before continuing

    These are common and appropriate reasons to seek assistance. DecenTrialz provides accessible support options to ensure you are fully informed prior to making any decisions.

    Available support options

    DecenTrialz offers two levels of participant support:

    1. DecenTrialz Platform Support Team

    The platform support team can assist with:

    • Clarifying how the DecenTrialz matching and referral system operates
    • Providing guidance on navigating the platform and understanding next steps
    • Explaining how your data is collected, stored, and protected under HIPAA standards

    Please note: The DecenTrialz support team is not authorized to provide clinical advice or determine trial-specific eligibility.

    Contact information:

    Email: support@decentrialz.com

    2. Research Site Personnel (Post-Referral Only)

    Once you opt in to be referred to a clinical trial:

    • A representative from the research site may contact you
    • They are qualified to answer study-specific clinical questions, explain procedures, and discuss potential risks and benefits
    • This communication occurs only after you have provided explicit consent to be referred

    How to request support

    You may request assistance at any point—before, during, or after completing the pre-screener—using any of the following methods:

    • Clicking the “Need Help?” or “Contact Support” link within the DecenTrialz platform
    • Sending an email to support@decentrialz.com

    A member of the support team will respond as promptly as possible to provide assistance or direct you to the appropriate contact.

    Key Note: There is no obligation to proceed with a referral or enroll in a clinical trial simply because you have been matched. DecenTrialz encourages all prospective participants to seek clarification and ask questions before making any decisions. Participation in research should always be informed, voluntary, and supported by transparent communication.

  • Completing the pre-screener

    The pre-screener is the initial step in identifying whether you may qualify for one or more clinical trials listed on the DecenTrialz platform. It is a brief, confidential questionnaire designed to assess general eligibility before any information is shared with research teams.

    This section explains the purpose of the pre-screener, what types of questions you will encounter, and how your information is securely handled.

    Purpose of the pre-screener

    The primary objective of the pre-screener is to gather essential, non-sensitive details about your health background and location. This enables our platform to:

    • Identify clinical trials that align with your general eligibility profile
    • Minimize unnecessary outreach from trials for which you clearly do not qualify
    • Ensure your control over when and how your data is shared with research teams

    Please note: Completing the pre-screener does not enroll you in a clinical trial. It is an optional, informational step intended to help you explore available research opportunities.

    What to expect during the pre-screener

    The pre-screener is divided into two core categories of questions:

    a. Basic health and medical information

    These questions help us determine if you may be a suitable match for clinical trials with specific health-related criteria. You may be asked about:

    • Any current or past medical diagnoses
    • Ongoing medications or therapies
    • Relevant surgical history or major health events
    • Your age and biological sex (required for eligibility in many trials)

    You will not be asked for sensitive data such as your Social Security Number, insurance details, or complete medical records.

    For more information, see below [Health Questions].

    b. Location and contact details

    To ensure you are matched with trials based on geographic feasibility, we will ask for:

    • Your city and state of residence
    • Willingness or ability to travel, if needed
    • Your preferred contact method (e.g., phone number or email address)

    This allows our platform to prioritize studies in your region or those that offer remote participation.

    For more information, see below [Location/Contact Details].

    Estimated completion Time

    The pre-screener typically takes less than five minutes to complete. You may pause the process and return later, provided your browser session remains open.

    Data security and privacy

    Your responses are handled in accordance with the highest data protection standards, including compliance with the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA). Specifically:

    • Your information is never shared with any research team without your explicit consent
    • All data is encrypted and stored using secure, access-controlled systems
    • The information you provide is used solely for clinical trial matching and referral — never for commercial advertising or third-party marketing

    Key Note: You are not obligated to complete the pre-screener or proceed beyond any step. You may exit the process at any time. The purpose of the pre-screener is to provide you with a secure, transparent way to explore trial options at your own pace and with full control over your participation decisions.

    Health questions

    As part of the pre-screener process on the DecenTrialz platform, you will be asked a short series of general health questions. These questions are designed to determine whether your current medical profile may preliminarily align with the eligibility criteria of clinical trials listed on our platform.

    This is not a diagnostic evaluation or full medical assessment. Rather, it serves as an early, participant-controlled screening tool to help match you with relevant research opportunities.

    Why these questions are asked

    Each clinical trial is governed by specific inclusion and exclusion criteria that define who may participate. These criteria are determined by the study sponsor or research investigators and often include considerations such as:

    • The medical condition under investigation (e.g., Type 2 Diabetes, Asthma, Anxiety)
    • The severity or stage of the condition
    • Prior diagnoses, treatments, or procedures
    • Current medications, symptoms, or health risks

    The health-related questions in the pre-screener allow the platform to filter out trials that would clearly not be appropriate for your profile. This protects your time, privacy, and avoids unnecessary outreach from research sites.

    Examples of health questions you may encounter

    The following are common categories of questions that may appear in the pre-screener:

    1. Diagnosis or Condition Status

    These questions help assess whether you have previously or currently experience the condition being studied.

    • Have you ever been diagnosed with [specific condition]?
    • Are you currently receiving treatment for this condition?

    2. Treatment History

    These questions identify whether you have undergone relevant medical procedures or used specific medications.

    • Have you taken medication for this condition within the past six months?
    • Have you had any surgeries related to this diagnosis?

    3. Current Symptoms

    These questions gather insight into present-day health experiences that may be relevant to study eligibility.

    • Are you experiencing any of the following symptoms?
    • How often do you experience [specific symptom]?

    4. Other Relevant Medical Factors

    Certain clinical trials require awareness of additional health conditions or physiological states.

    • Are you currently pregnant or breastfeeding?
    • Do you use any implanted medical devices (e.g., pacemaker, insulin pump)?

    Important: You are not required to upload test reports, disclose insurance details, or share physician records at this stage.

    How your responses are used

    • Your responses are automatically compared with the general eligibility filters of active clinical trials.
    • DecenTrialz does not make medical decisions or diagnoses based on your answers.
    • You may review and edit your responses before submitting them.
    • No personal or health-related information is shared with any third party unless you explicitly opt in for referral.

    Key Note: You may skip individual questions or exit the pre-screener entirely at any time. Your participation in the pre-screener is voluntary and confidential. The information you provide is used exclusively to guide your exploration of potential clinical trial opportunities and is never used for advertising or shared for commercial purposes.

    Location and contact details

    In addition to health-related questions, the DecenTrialz pre-screener includes a brief section where you are asked to provide your geographic location and preferred contact method. These details are essential for ensuring that any potential trial matches are geographically relevant or offer remote participation options.

    All information you provide is stored securely and will not be shared with any research team or third party without your explicit consent.

    Why location and contact information are important

    Most clinical trials are hosted at specific research sites, including hospitals, clinics, or academic research institutions. While some studies may offer remote or hybrid options, many still require in-person visits for procedures, labs, or assessments.

    Providing your general location allows DecenTrialz to:

    • Match you with studies near your place of residence or within your preferred travel range
    • Filter out studies that are not available in your region
    • Help identify decentralized or remote-participation trials, when applicable

    Information You May Be Asked to Provide

    The location and contact section of the pre-screener typically requests the following details:

    1. City, state, and country

    You will be asked to enter your current place of residence, which may include:

    • Your city or town
    • The applicable U.S. state (for domestic participants)
    • Your country of residence

    This helps narrow down geographically relevant trials based on eligibility and trial site proximity.

    2. Willingness to travel

    Some studies may ask participants to visit a trial site periodically. You may be asked:

    • Whether you are open to traveling for a clinical study
    • Your maximum preferred travel range (e.g., within 10 miles, 25 miles, or more)

    These questions are optional and do not impact your ability to view or be matched to remote-eligible studies.

    3. Preferred method of contact

    In the event that you are matched to a trial and choose to proceed with a referral, the research team may need a way to contact you. You may be asked for:

    • Your name (optional during pre-screening)
    • A phone number and/or email address
    • Your preferred method of communication (e.g., phone call, text, or email)

    You are free to indicate your contact preferences or opt out of providing this information if you do not wish to proceed further.

    Data privacy and consent

    • Your location and contact details are not shared with any trial site unless you opt in and provide explicit consent
    • If you choose to move forward with a referral, only the information necessary to initiate contact is securely transmitted to the research team
    • You may update or request the deletion of your information at any time by contacting support@decentrialz.com

    Key Note: Providing accurate location and contact information helps improve the precision of trial matching. However, sharing your contact information is entirely voluntary. You will never be contacted by a research site unless you have explicitly agreed to be referred, and you may withdraw or modify your information at any time.

  • How matching works

    DecenTrialz offers a technology-enabled, pre-screening service to help individuals explore potential clinical trials based on preliminary eligibility factors. This process is designed to be secure, efficient, and participant-centered, serving as an entry point to identify research opportunities that may align with your medical profile and location.

    Understanding the trial matching process

    The matching process at DecenTrialz is structured to respect your privacy while providing a simplified path to research participation. It involves the following key steps:

    1. Completion of the pre-screener questionnaire

    Upon expressing interest in clinical trials, you will be guided through a brief questionnaire. This pre-screener collects general information such as:

    • Age and biological sex
    • Relevant medical history or current conditions (if any)
    • Basic geographic details (e.g., ZIP code)

    This step typically takes only a few minutes to complete and does not require access to your full medical records.

    2. Matching your information with study criteria

    Each clinical trial has defined eligibility requirements, also known as inclusion and exclusion criteria. These are determined by the research site or trial sponsor and may include factors such as:

    • Diagnosis or symptom history
    • Medication usage
    • Lifestyle factors or risk exposure

    Your responses are algorithmically and securely compared against these criteria to identify potential trial matches. Sensitive data is handled with strict privacy safeguards and used solely for the purpose of generating preliminary matches.

    3. Viewing potential study matches

    If your responses indicate that you may preliminarily qualify for one or more studies, you will be notified on-screen. At this point, you can review basic information about the studies and decide whether you wish to move forward to the next step in the process.

    4. Referral initiated only with your consent

    Should you choose to proceed, DecenTrialz will transmit your contact information — and only your contact information, to the research site associated with the selected trial(s). This referral allows the research team to follow up with you directly for:

    • A more comprehensive eligibility screening
    • Explanation of the study procedures and timelines
    • Informed consent discussion, as required by regulatory standards

    DecenTrialz will never disclose your complete health information, name, or location without your explicit consent.

    Important considerations

    • Pre-screening does not guarantee enrollment. Only the research team can determine your final eligibility after conducting their own assessments.
    • Participation is voluntary at every stage. You are free to decline a referral or discontinue at any time, with no obligation to proceed.
    • All decisions involve human oversight. DecenTrialz does not use automated systems to make enrollment decisions. All referrals and communications are reviewed under ethical and regulatory standards.

    Key Note: DecenTrialz acts solely as a pre-screening and referral facilitator. We do not conduct clinical trials and do not make final eligibility decisions. Our role is to streamline the discovery process for participants while maintaining high standards of privacy, safety, and compliance.