What type of review does the IRB/IEC perform for trials?

• A. Initial and continuing review of trials
• B. Budget review only
• C. Site inspections only
• D. Recruitment of investigators only

Answer: (A)

The key idea is that IRBs/IECs oversee trials over their entire course, not just at one moment. They give initial approval before a study can start, ensuring the protocol, risk/benefit balance, and informed consent protect participants. Then they perform continuing reviews at intervals during the study to verify ongoing safety and ethics, assess any changes, progress, and adverse events, and re-approve the study as needed. This ongoing oversight keeps the study aligned with participant rights and welfare as new information emerges.

Budget review, site inspections, and investigator recruitment are not responsibilities of the IRB/IEC. Budgets are handled by sponsors or study finance teams; site inspections are typically conducted by regulatory authorities or monitors; recruitment of investigators is part of study administration and sponsor processes.