2.1.2 Unique study ID
A. Background & Definitions
Unique study ID is a tag assigned to a study that is essential to ensure data traceability (see section 3.1.2.1 Traceability of data and any person having impact on data for further guidance and explanations).
The Unique study ID is one of the most recognized approaches to ensure traceability as it provides the possibility to identify the source of reported data.
B. Guidance & Expectations
Each study should be assigned a unique ID.
- Electronic lab notebooks (ELNs) may provide the unique study ID automatically
- In case of paper-based lab notebooks or other custom-built data management solutions, the unique study ID must be set up by the researchers themselves
Unique study ID should be created before initiating the study (as an example when creating the study protocol).
It is recommended to agree on one format to be used throughout the research unit.
Possible ID structure may include the date, experiment or project acronym and researcher's initials, e.g. date_experiment acronym_researcher initials.
For animal research, unique study ID may also be built based on the approval number of animal welfare protocol or authorization received from a responsible institutional, national or other body.
Format for date designations can be numeric (e.g. YYMMDD => 190101, better for sorting) or alphanumeric notations (e.g. DDMMMYYY => 01JAN2019, better for distinguishing day, month and year).
Once created, the study ID should be added to study-related documents (e.g. study protocol, records of raw data, reports, etc...) that are necessary for traceability of reported data back to raw data.
PLEASE DO NOT FORGET
If study IDs are not used, please provide a description of the means to ensure adequate data traceability (see section 3.1.2.1 Traceability of data and any person having impact on data for further guidance on data traceability).
C. Resources
back to Toolbox
Next item: 2.1.3 Appraisal of literature and systematic reviews
