Get tips for unlocking 3 essential challenges to successful clinical trials when managing research ancillary supplies and equipment.
Clinical trials are the engine behind medical breakthroughs, and successful trials don’t simply fall into place. Thorough planning and smart resource management are required for clinical trials to produce reliable results. One often overlooked but essential part of this process is the procurement and management of ancillary research supplies and equipment—everything from lab kits to patient monitoring devices. These tools keep trials on track and precise. So how do we make the management of these supplies as simple and precise as possible?
In this post, we’ll tackle the challenges of managing research ancillary supplies and equipment, solve the rent-versus-buy riddle, and map out a path for picking the right vendors to make your clinical trial a success.
Understanding the Research Ancillary Supplies and Equipment Universe
The Growing Market
The market for ancillary supplies has taken off, thanks to the boom in global clinical trials and novel medical tech. Analysts at 360iResearch estimated that the clinical trial equipment and ancillary solutions market size will reach USD 5 billion in 2025, and USD 7.62 billion by 2030.
When managing multiple trial sites around the world, any delay in procuring the right equipment costs more than just money—life-saving discoveries are on the line. Vendors play an important role in this process, making reliability and timeliness non-negotiable.
For more insights into ongoing trials and the importance of ancillary supplies, visit the comprehensive database at ClinicalTrials.gov.
Tailored Solutions for Clinical Trials
No two clinical trials are the same, and a one-size-fits-all approach rarely works for research ancillary supplies and equipment. Each trial has unique requirements based on protocol, patient population, and geographic scope. Customized solutions, such as specialized lab kits or temperature-controlled shipping, ensure that each trial’s unique needs are met.
Sponsors should assess factors such as storage conditions, compatibility of use in all involved countries, and the ease of use for site staff members to determine what supplies will best support their study’s success.
To understand more about global guidelines for clinical trials, visit the World Health Organization’s Clinical Trials page.
Rent vs. Buy: Making the Right Decision
Factors to Consider
Having the option to rent or purchase clinical trial equipment is important, and choosing one over the other can provide advantages. The choice depends on several factors:
- Type of Equipment: High-cost items like imaging devices may be better rented, while lower-cost equipment with a somewhat limited lifespan is often best purchased, such as digital thermometers, continuous glucose monitors, pulse oximeters, scales, dataloggers, and handheld devices.
- Duration of Use: Trials with short durations may benefit from renting, while long-term studies are more likely to justify the cost of purchase.
- Location: Equipment used across multiple sites in multiple countries may require flexibility. Certain regions may have restrictions on imported equipment, which can influence the decision to rent or buy.
- Post-Trial Considerations: The Sunshine Act in the United States and similar laws in other countries require strict accounting regarding the gifting of equipment to study sites following the completion of the study. Letting sites keep equipment and supplies can be considered coercion depending on the item’s value, even if it is considered of relatively low cost.
For regulations and guidelines specific to the United States, the FDA’s Clinical Trials page provides valuable information.
When to Rent
Renting is often the preferred choice and may be advantageous for these reasons:
- Most rentals cover all the servicing of the equipment, including repairs and calibration
- No Sunshine Act reporting is required since nothing is being given to the site
- Projects with budget constraints that can’t justify large upfront purchases
- When the study is over, the equipment is collected and taken away by the rental company and disposed of if necessary
- No accounting for the equipment or depreciating the capital item
When to Purchase
Purchasing is advantageous in these (among other) scenarios:
- Long-term studies where equipment is in continuous use
- Often less expensive than renting, depending on the term of the rental
- The equipment is brand new, ensuring it hasn’t been mistreated in the field
- Projects requiring custom-built or proprietary equipment that isn’t available for rent
- Equipment rental companies may not be available in all countries
For European trials, the European Medicines Agency offers insights into the regulatory framework.
Selecting the Right Vendor for Research Ancillary Supplies and Equipment
Key Questions to Ask
How do you qualify vendors? Here are five essential questions to ask when evaluating:
- What is your experience in providing supplies for clinical trials?
- Can you ensure timely delivery across multiple geographic locations?
- How do you handle inventory management, low availability, and stockouts?
- What measures do you take to ensure regulatory compliance?
- What contingency plans do you have for supply chain disruptions?
By addressing these questions, sponsors can identify vendors capable of providing reliable, high-quality service.
The Vendor’s Role in Clinical Trial Success
Excellent vendors are the unsung heroes of smooth clinical trials. Vendors keep the supply chain strong and provide tech support for highly technical equipment. The right vendor makes all the difference in adhering to your trial schedule and getting accurate results. Efficient vendors reduce delays and stay current with compliance so your trials stay on course.
If there is an opportunity to consolidate 2 or more services with 1 vendor, you can gain a more efficient workflow with tremendous control, consistency, and transparency, which improves quality, timelines, and cost.
Final Thoughts on Optimizing Research Ancillary Supplies and Equipment
When you’ve got a strong solution for ancillary supplies and equipment, your clinical trials are set up for success. Rent or buy? Which vendor is best? Making the right choices truly determines how smoothly your study runs.
A vendor with deep industry knowledge and a trustworthy track record can help you navigate your clinical trials by delivering tailored solutions and providing an extra layer of quality control for logistics and compliance. In the end, you get what’s most important: a clinical trial with reliable results. Looking for tailored solutions for your next clinical trial?
Contact us today to learn how Imperial Clinical Research Services can help optimize your research ancillary supplies and equipment management, along with our other clinical trial services, such as award-winning design and content creation, translations, print and digital production, kitting, warehousing, and global logistics to ensure the success of your study.
Other Blogs You May Want to Read
Picking an Ancillary Trial Supplies and Equipment Vendor: 5 Questions to Ask
The Clinical Trial Ancillary Supplies and Equipment Universe: Making It Work
Medical Equipment for Clinical Trials: Rent vs. Buy – How Do You Decide?
Clinical Trial Kitting: Avoid Costly Pitfalls
Addressing the Complexities of Clinical Trial Ancillary Equipment and Supplies