Referencing a clinical trial correctly is not just a formality. It is an essential step to ensure data transparency, study reproducibility, and scientific integrity. Whether you are a researcher, student, or healthcare professional, knowing how to cite a clinical study according to current standards helps anchor your work in a rigorous and recognized framework. In short: a good citation starts with identifying the source (registry, publication, NCT identifier), choosing the appropriate style (APA, AMA), and including key elements such as the title, authors, and type of intervention.
Accurate referencing makes it possible to:
- Formally identify the study
- Verify consistency between the protocol and publication
- Avoid publication bias
- Ensure reproducibility
How to cite a clinical trial in APA or AMA style?
The citation style depends on the publication context. Here are the two most common formats:
APA style (American Psychological Association)
Name, P. (Year). Title of the trial. ClinicalTrials.gov. https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCTXXXXXXXX
AMA style (American Medical Association)
Name P. Study title. ClinicalTrials.gov. NCT Identifier: NCTXXXXXXXX. Updated [date]. Accessed [date].
In both cases, the NCT identifier, the unique number assigned by the ClinicalTrials.gov registry, is essential. It allows the trial to be retrieved at any time and its data to be verified in real time.
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