Clinical trials can seem complex, but understanding the process shouldn’t be. Explore quick, clear answers to common questions from patients and caregivers. Whether you’re considering participation or simply want to learn more, these FAQs are here to help you feel informed and confident.
A biosample is a small amount of biological material collected for research. This can include blood, saliva, urine, or tissue. Biosamples help researchers better understand diseases and develop treatments.
There are two types of samples in a clinical trial:
- Study‑required samples: These are needed to run the trial safely and scientifically. You must agree to these to join the study.
- Optional future‑use samples: You can choose whether or not to donate extra samples and/or unused study-required samples, depending on the study.
Yes. You can choose to withdraw your biosample at any time, even after giving consent. Your study team can explain how to do this.
No. Whether you donate a biosample or not will not change the care you receive as part of your clinical trial.
Biosamples are usually collected during your clinical trial visits or as part of routine study procedures. Your study team will let you know exactly when and how samples will be collected.
No. There is no cost to you for donating a biosample.
Every biosample is labeled with a unique identifier, not your personal information. Samples are stored securely and handled carefully to maintain privacy and integrity.
All research requests are reviewed by expert teams and ethics boards. This ensures your sample is used only for approved studies that match your consent.
Any information linked to your sample is kept confidential and used only for approved research. Access is limited to authorized researchers, and personal identifiers are never shared without permission.
Medical terms can feel overwhelming. Here we explain common words and phrases related to biosamples and clinical research, so you don’t have to guess what they mean.
A carefully controlled repository to safely store biosamples for long-term preservation.1
A measurable substance in a sample that helps researchers understand disease or treatment effects.
A small amount of biological material, like blood, saliva, urine, or tissue (i.e., bone, muscle, skin, organs), collected for research.
DNA is the instruction manual for your body. It contains the genetic information that tells your cells how to grow, function, and stay healthy. Studying DNA in biosamples helps researchers understand how genes may influence diseases and guide the development of treatments.2
A process that explains what donating a biosample involves and lets you decide whether to participate.
An approach to treatment that considers your unique genetics, environment, and lifestyle to give you care tailored specifically for you.3
RNA is like a messenger that carries instructions from your DNA to the parts of your cells that make proteins. By studying RNA in biosamples, researchers can see which genes are active and how diseases affect the body, helping them develop better therapies.4
Still have questions? Contact your study or medical team.
AstraZeneca and Alexion: Better care through research
Alexion is a global pharmaceutical company focused on developing life-changing therapies for people living with rare diseases. As part of AstraZeneca, we bring together world-class science, extensive knowledge of rare diseases, and a commitment to patients to deliver innovative treatments and advance clinical research.