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PLOS BLOGS Speaking of Medicine and Health

New Universal Trial Number (UTN) from the WHO

The World Health Organisation has announced a new system to make clinical trials easier to identify. In a press release on June 24 they describe a new, unique, number, the Universal Trial Number (UTN), which will help track trials, particularly those that are taking place in different countries and different institutions.

Currently trials may have several registration numbers depending on how many countries or institutions are participating.  It’s important to note therefore that the UTN is not a registration number, but  instead is aimed at unambiguously identifying trials by enabling linking of multiple records on the same trial through the ICTRP search portal.

Researchers can obtain a UTN through the ICTRP website, where more details and an FAQ can be found.

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