Glossary Term

Inclusion Criteria

Categories: Research Methods & Study Design

the predefined characteristics, conditions, or factors that a must meet to be eligible for enrollment in a research study or clinical trial. These criteria ensure that the study population is appropriate for the research objectives and help produce reliable, generalizable results.

Synonyms:
Eligibility Requirements, Admission Criteria, Enrollment Criteria, Participant Requirements
Examples

In a clinical trial of a new osteoarthritis treatment, inclusion criteria might require:

  • Adults aged 45–75
  • Pain in the affected joint on most days during the previous month
  • Radiographic evidence of osteoarthritis in the knee or hip

Only participants meeting all these criteria would be eligible to enroll in the trial.

Scroll to Top