Association of Clinical Research Professionals (ACRP) Certified Professional Practice Exam

What is the primary purpose of an IRB in clinical research?

1. Ensure proper funding for studies

2. Protect the rights and welfare of study participants

3. Recruit subjects for clinical trials

4. Analyze data from clinical studies

The correct answer is: Protect the rights and welfare of study participants

The primary purpose of an Institutional Review Board (IRB) in clinical research is to protect the rights and welfare of study participants. This protective function is crucial as it ensures that ethical considerations are at the forefront of research activities involving human subjects. An IRB evaluates study protocols to identify potential risks to participants, ensuring that they are minimized and justified by the potential benefits of the research. The board also reviews informed consent processes to ensure that participants are adequately informed about the study, its risks, and their rights, including the right to withdraw from the study at any time. While the other options play a role in the broader context of clinical research, they do not encompass the primary, ethical mandate of the IRB. Funding is essential for the execution of studies, but it is not the IRB's focus. Recruiting subjects is a vital aspect of conducting clinical trials, but it falls under the responsibilities of research staff rather than the IRB. Analyzing data is a necessary part of research after it has been conducted, but it is outside the scope of the IRB’s responsibilities, which are centered on participant protection prior to and during the study.