The Three Phases of Clinical Trials

Phase 1: Healthy volunteers test for safety and side effects.

Phase 2: Small group of patients test for efficacy and dosage.

Phase 3: Large scale trial to confirm results and monitor long-term effects.

Question 1

Which statement accurately describes clinical trial stages at a GCSE level?

Accepted Answer

Correct pedagogical fact about stages

Answer

Common misconception about stages

Answer

Incorrect scale or unit

Answer

Irrelevant detail

Question 2

What happens in preclinical testing of a potential new medicine?

Accepted Answer

It is tested using cells, tissues and live animals

Answer

It is tested only on large populations immediately

Answer

It is sold in pharmacies to check profit

Answer

It is given at full dose to every patient first

Question 3

Why might a placebo be used in a double-blind clinical trial?

Accepted Answer

To compare the drug's effects with a treatment that has no active ingredient

Answer

To make sure nobody in the trial takes the drug

Answer

To guarantee the drug will be approved

Answer

To increase the toxicity of the drug

Question 4

Why are very low doses often used at the start of clinical trials?

Accepted Answer

To reduce risk while checking that the drug is safe

Answer

To stop the immune system working

Answer

To make the placebo stronger

Answer

Because high doses can only be tested on plants

What is The Three Phases of Clinical Trials?