What is it? Why is it important?

Database lock is the action taken to prevent any further changes to the study data. Two main database locks exist:

 

  • Interim lock which is performed during study conduct due to:
    • Specifications given in the study protocol (e.g. interim statistical analysis)
    • Study safety and/or efficacy concerns and/or recommendations provided by the Data Safety Monitoring Board (DSMB)
    • Additional data cleaning requirements

 

  • Final lock which is performed after:
    • All study data (variables) has been collected and entered in the study database (eCRF)
    • Data cleaning with the aim to resolve missing or incorrect data is complete
    • All pending data queries are resolved (e.g. correspondence between monitor and study staff regarding data inconsistencies)

More

Interim database locks (before all data has been collected) can be planned in order to evaluate whether to continue, adapt or terminate a study. This can be due to:

  • Safety concerns (e.g. a potential high frequency of adverse events (AE, ADE) during study treatment)
  • Efficacy concerns (e.g. treatment effect compared to placebo is highly superior or has no added benefit)

 

Data analysis not based on specifications given in the study protocol carries the risk of corrupting the study, as researchers are no longer independent study bystanders but become biased as to study outcome.

Database locks can also be planned during long term studies, with the aim to minimise data cleaning workload once the study is terminated.

 

What do I need to do?

As a SP-INV, write a SOP that describes:

  • Grounds for database lock (e.g. based on study protocol specifications)
  • Frequency and timing of lock(s) (e.g. after inclusion of 3 participants, 1st participant has completed the planned study treatment)
  • SP-INV and Site-INV responsibilities (e.g. eCRF sign-off confirming that study data is complete, correct and validated)
  • Access management (e.g. staff logins are limited to prevent further changes to the study data)
  • How to document database lock (e.g. time and date of lock, including the version of the locked database)
  • Type of interim statistical analysis, including required implications in the event of unexpected deviations (e.g. the study may have to be adapted or discontinued due to safety or efficacy concerns)

More

Upon locking the database, it is important to document the exact date and version of the locked database. This confirms that:

  • The current and correct study database version was used by the statistician during data analysis
  • Data analysis was done after the database was locked

 

To ensure data quality and facilitate database lock, plan ahead and ensure that:

  • Data entries are performed on an ongoing basis, while data is still “fresh”. Hindsight backlog of large volumes of data carries increased risks of data errors, and data quality concerns
  • SP-INV and Site-INVs sign-off CRFs on an ongoing basis. A task that should not be postponed to the end of the study. By signing-off the CRFs, it is confirmed that all required data (variables) is entered in the database and has been monitored to be correct
  • External data providers (e.g. laboratories) are informed of upcoming database locks to ensure that all data (variables) imports have been integrated into the study database
  • Data monitoring visits are planned in good time before any planned database locks

Where can I get help?

Your local CTU can support you with experienced staff regarding this topic

References

ICH GCP E6(R2) – see in particular guidelines

  • 5.5. Trial Management, data handling, and record-keeping
Abbreviations
  • CRF – Case Report Form
  • CTU – Clinical Trials Unit
  • DSMB – Data Safety Monitoring Board
  • eCRF – electronic Case Report Form
  • ICH GCP – International Council for Harmonisation - Good Clinical Practice
  • Site-INV – Site-Investigator
  • SOP – Standard Operating
  • SP-INV – Sponsor-Investigator
Development ↦ Data Management ↦ Database Lock ↦ Procedures
Study
Basic

Provides some background knowledge and basic definitions

Basic Monitoring
Basic Drug or Device
Concept

Starts with a study idea

Ends after having assessed and evaluated study feasibility

Concept Statistic Methodology
Concept Drug or Device
Development

Starts with confidence that the study is feasible

Ends after having received ethics and regulatory approval

Development Drug or Device
Set-Up

Starts with ethics and regulatory approval

Ends after successful study initiation

Set-Up Ethics and Laws
Set-Up Statistic Methodology
Set-Up Quality and Risk
Set-Up Drug or Device
Conduct

Starts with participant recruitment

Ends after the last participant has completed the last study visit

Conduct Statistic Methodology
Conduct Drug or Device
Completion

Starts with last study visit completed

Ends after study publication and archiving

Completion Statistic Methodology
Completion Drug or Device
Current Path (click to copy): Development ↦ Data Management ↦ Database Lock ↦ Procedures

Please note: the Easy-GCS tool is currently under construction.