Why Central Imaging?

One of the key considerations to be made by a sponsor when deciding to incorporate imaging into a clinical trial is whether to use a central reader as opposed to individual site reads. As a central reader VirtualScopics has the expertise to manage trials with multiple imaging sites ensuring consistency, standardization, and quality across all sites.

Individual imaging sites typically review scans using traditional qualitative imaging which is used to distinguish normal and abnormal anatomy and visually apparent changes. This typically results in a high level of variability among readers and across sites.

In contrast, VirtualScopics utilizes quantitative imaging which looks at numerical values and differences, enabling detection of smaller changes. We have incorporated automation in the image analysis process - using a computer algorithm to measure lesion size rather than a clinician with a pair of calipers. This provides a degree of accuracy and reproducibility that cannot be duplicated by manual techniques. Our on-site imaging experts and tools allow us to reproduce measurements and ensure consistent, reliable analysis throughout the trial lifespan.

Benefits of a Central Provider for Imaging
  • Single Point of Contact - reducing sponsor management and supervisory overhead
  • Preparation of key regulatory facing documentation
  • Standardization of image acquisition at sites
  • High level of image data quality
    • Standardization
    • Use of phantoms
    • Incoming data quality inspections by technologists
    • Feedback to resolve issues
  • Consistency in analysis process
    • Automated tools provide reproducible measurements
    • Independent from clinical patient decisions
    • Variability sources minimized
  • Additional assessments possible
    • All sites may not have tools to do more sophisticated analyses
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