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SDTM v1.7

Study Data Tabulation Model

Version 1.7 (Final)

Prepared by the CDISC Submission Data Standards Team and CDISC SDTM Governance Committee

Notes to Readers

This is version 1.7 of the Study Data Tabulation Model Document (SDTM). This document includes additional variables related to the SDTMIG version 3.3. This document also supports the finalization of the SDTM Implementation Guide for Medical Devices (SDTMIG-MD) version 1.1. A full description of all changes from the prior version is provided in Section 8, SDTM Version History.

Revision History
Date Version
2018-11-20 1.7 Final
2017-11-08 1.6 Final
2016-06-27 1.5 Final
2013-11-26 1.4 Final
2012-07-16 1.3 Final
2008-11-12 1.2 Final
2005-04-28 1.1 Final
2004-06-25 1.0 Final

© 2018 Clinical Data Interchange Standards Consortium, Inc. All rights reserved.

1 Introduction

1.1 Purpose

This document describes the Study Data Tabulation Model (SDTM), which defines a standard structure for study data tabulations. This document, which supersedes all prior versions, includes numerous changes from the prior SDTM v1.6, described in Section 8.1, Changes From SDTM v1.6 to SDTM v1.7.

This document is intended for companies and individuals involved in the collection, preparation, and analysis of study data which may be submitted to regulatory authorities. Guidance, specifications, and regulations for the application of this model are provided separately in the Implementation Guides (IGs) and by regulatory authorities. Readers are advised to refer to these documents before preparing a regulatory submission based on the SDTM.

1.2 Relationship to Prior CDISC Models

This document is a successor to what was known in prior versions as the CDISC Submission Data Standards or Submission Domain Models. Whereas SDTM v1.0 was designated as the first implementation-ready version for clinical studies involving human drug products, improvements and enhancements have been incorporated in subsequent versions to support a broader range of regulated products, including the needs of non-clinical animal toxicity studies. Efforts will continue to further evaluate the model for human and animal studies involving other regulated products including food additives; therapeutic biologics; blood derivatives; vaccines; cellular, tissue, and gene therapy; and devices. Implementation guides for applying the model to each type of data and guidance on controlled terminology will be published separately.

1.3 Significant Changes From Prior Versions

The SDTM has been designed for backward compatibility; datasets prepared with prior versions should be compatible with v1.7. In most cases, this means that later versions may add new variables or correct textual errors, but do not eliminate variables or structures incorporated in prior versions. There are, however, isolated instances where some older variables may be deprecated in favor of newer, more functional variables. SDTM v1.7 does not identify any proposed deprecated variables, as there are no variables to be deprecated at this time.

The following new sections and tables have been added:

  • Table 4.1.5.1, Device-Subject Relationships Dataset
  • Section 5, Study References
  • Section 5.1, Datasets for Study References
    • Section 5.1.1, Device Identifiers Dataset
    • Table 5.1.1.1, Device Identifiers Dataset
    • Section 5.1.2, Non-Host Organism Identifiers Dataset
    • Table 5.1.2.1, Non-Host OI Dataset

New variables have been added to the following sections:

  • Section 2.2, The General Observation Classes
  • Table 2.2.1.1, Interventions—Topic and Qualifier Variables
  • Table 2.2.6.1, Subject Demographics Domain Variables
  • Table 2.2.7.1, Comments Domain Variables
  • Table 2.2.12.1, Domain-Specific Variables for General Observation Class Domains

An additional column, Role, has been added to all tables in the SDTM.

2 Model Fundamentals

2.1 Model Concepts and Terms

The SDTM provides a general framework for describing the organization of information collected during human and animal studies and submitted to regulatory authorities. The model is built around the concept of observations, which consist of discrete pieces of information collected during a study. Observations normally correspond to rows in a dataset. A collection of observations on a particular topic is considered a domain. For example, "Subject 101 had an adverse event of mild nausea starting on Study Day 6" is an observation belonging to the Adverse Events domain in a clinical trial.

Each observation can be described by a series of named variables. Each variable, which normally corresponds to a column in a dataset, can be classified according to its role. A "role" describes the type of information conveyed by the variable about each distinct observation and how it can be used. SDTM variables can be classified into 5 major roles:

  • Identifier variables, such as those that identify the study, the subject (individual human or animal or group of individuals) involved in the study, the domain, and the sequence number of the record;
  • Topic variables, which specify the focus of the observation (e.g., the name of a lab test);
  • Timing variables, which describe the timing of an observation (e.g., start date, end date);
  • Qualifier variables, which include additional illustrative text or numeric values that describe the results or additional traits of the observation (e.g., units, descriptive adjectives); and
  • Rule variables, which express an algorithm or executable method to define start, end, or looping conditions in the Trial Design model.

Domain-specific variables, a concept introduced in SDTM v1.5, are for use in a limited number of designated domains and will be identified in the appropriate implementation guide. The variable names include the specific domain prefix. Section 2.2.12, Domain-Specific Variables for the General Observation Classes, lists the proposed domain-specific variables.

The set of Qualifier variables can be further categorized into 5 sub-classes:

  • Grouping Qualifiers used to group together a collection of observations within the same domain (e.g., –CAT and –SCAT);
  • Result Qualifiers, which describe the specific results associated with the topic variable in a Findings dataset and which answer the question raised by the topic variable (e.g., –ORRES, –STRESC, –STRESN);
  • Synonym Qualifiers specifying an alternative name for a particular variable in an observation (e.g., –MODIFY and –DECOD, which are equivalent terms for a –TRT or –TERM Topic variable; –TEST for –TESTCD);
  • Record Qualifiers, which define additional attributes of the observation record as a whole, rather than describing a particular variable within a record (e.g., –REASND, AESLIFE, and all other Serious Adverse Event flag variables in the AE domain; AGE, SEX, and RACE in the Demographics domain; –REASND, –POS, –LOC, –SPEC, and –NAM in a Findings domain); and
  • Variable Qualifiers used to further modify or describe a specific variable within an observation and which are only meaningful in the context of the variable they qualify (e.g., –ORRESU, –ORNRHI, and –ORNRLO, all of which are Variable Qualifiers of –ORRES; –DOSU, which is a Variable Qualifier of –DOSE).

For example, in the observation "Subject 101 had mild nausea starting on Study Day 6," the Topic variable value is the term for the adverse event, "NAUSEA". The Identifier variable is the subject identifier, "101". The Timing variable is the study day of the start of the event, which captures the information "starting on Study Day 6", whereas an example of a Record Qualifier is the severity, the value for which is "MILD". Additional Timing and Qualifier variables could be included to provide the necessary detail to adequately describe an observation.

Most of the data collected in a study is about the subjects who are enrolled in the study. Sometimes, however, data is collected about other persons (Associated Persons, AP) who can be associated with the study, a particular study subject, or a device used in the study. AP may or may not have a familial relationship to a study subject.

Observations about study subjects are normally collected for all subjects in a series of domains. A "domain" is defined as a collection of logically related observations with a common topic. The logic of the relationship may pertain to the scientific subject matter of the data or to its role in the trial. Each domain dataset is distinguished by a unique, 2-character code that should be used consistently throughout the submission. This code, which is stored in the SDTM variable named DOMAIN, is used in 4 ways: as the dataset name, as the value of the DOMAIN variable in that dataset, as a prefix for most variable names in that dataset, and as a value in the RDOMAIN variable in relationship tables.

All datasets are structured as flat files with rows representing observations and columns representing variables; each dataset is described by metadata definitions that provide information about the variables used in the dataset. The Define.XML specification provides additional information.

The SDTM describes the name, label, role, and type for the standard variables. Note that the SDTM type specified in this document is either character or numeric, as these are the only types supported by SAS v.5 transport files. Define.XML provides more descriptive data types (e.g., integer, float, date, datetime); see the Define.XML specification for information about how to represent SDTM types using Define.XML data types.

A sponsor may drop certain variables (those defined as permissible in the relevant implementation guide) from the dataset and the corresponding descriptions from the Define.XML (i.e., the applicable "ItemRef" must be removed from the "ItemGroupDef" representing the dataset, as long as no data were collected for these variables). New sponsor-defined variables must not be added, and existing variables must not be renamed or modified for novel usage. Sponsors should consult the appropriate implementation guide; the implementation guides specifically describe which variables are required, expected, or permissible to use in specific domains based on the general observation classes.

2.2 The General Observation Classes

The majority of observations collected during a study can be divided among 3 general observation classes: Interventions, Events, or Findings.

  • The Interventions Observation Class, described in Table 2.2.1.1, captures investigational, therapeutic, and other treatments that are administered to the subject (with some actual or expected physiological effect) either as specified by the study protocol (e.g., "exposure"), coincident with the study assessment period (e.g., "concomitant medications"), or other substances self-administered by the subject (e.g., "alcohol", "tobacco", or "caffeine").
  • The Events Observation Class, described in Table 2.2.2.1, captures planned protocol milestones such as randomization and study completion; and occurrences, conditions, or incidents independent of planned study evaluations occurring during the trial (e.g., adverse events) or prior to the trial (e.g., medical history).
  • The Findings Observation Class, described in Table 2.2.3.1, captures observations resulting from planned evaluations to address specific tests or questions such as laboratory tests, ECG testing, and questions listed on questionnaires. The Findings class also includes a sub-type, "Findings About", which is used to record findings related to observations in the Interventions or Events class.

Datasets based on any of the general observation classes share a set of common Identifier and Timing variables. The set of Identifiers for All Classes variables used is described in Table 2.2.4.1. The set of Timing Variables for All Classes variables that should be used for all 3 general observation classes is included in Table 2.2.5.1. As a general rule, any valid Identifier or Timing variable is permissible for use in any submission dataset based on a general observation class.

In the tables in this section, the presence of two hyphens before the variable name (e.g., –TRT) is used to indicate the required use of a prefix based on the 2-character domain code. The domain code is used as a variable prefix to minimize the risk of difficulty when merging or joining domains for reporting purposes.

In addition to the 3 general observation classes, a submission will generally include a set of other special-purpose datasets of specific standardized structures to represent additional important information. For example:

The SDTM is the foundation for many implementations. Examples include the SDTM Implementation Guide for Human Clinical Trials and the SEND (Standard for the Exchange of Nonclinical Data) Implementation Guide, available on the CDISC website: https://www.cdisc.org/standards. Not all variables described in the tables in this document (SDTM tables) are appropriate for all implementations. Refer to the implementation guides for specific information on any restrictions.

2.2.1 The Interventions Observation Class

Table 2.2.1.1 Interventions—Topic and Qualifier Variables—One Record per Constant-Dosing Interval or Intervention Episode

Variable Name Variable Label Type Role Description
Topic Variable
–TRT Name of Treatment Char Topic The topic for the intervention observation, usually the verbatim name of the treatment, drug, medicine, or therapy given during the dosing interval for the observation.
Qualifier Variables
–MODIFY Modified Treatment Name Char Synonym Qualifier of –TRT If the value for –TRT is modified for coding purposes, then the modified text is placed here.
–DECOD Standardized Treatment Name Char Synonym Qualifier of –TRT Standardized or dictionary-derived name of the topic variable, –TRT, or the modified topic variable (–MODIFY), if applicable. Equivalent to the generic drug name in WHO Drug, or a term in SNOMED, ICD9, or other published or sponsor-defined dictionaries.
–MOOD Mood Char Record Qualifier Mode or condition of the record (e.g., "SCHEDULED", "PERFORMED").
–CAT Category Char Grouping Qualifier Used to define a category of topic-variable values.
–SCAT Subcategory Char Grouping Qualifier Used to define a further categorization of –CAT values.
–PRESP Pre-specified Char Variable Qualifier of –TRT Used when a specific intervention is pre-specified on a CRF. Values should be "Y" or null.
–OCCUR Occurrence Indicator Char Record Qualifier Used to record whether a pre-specified intervention occurred when information about the occurrence of a specific intervention is solicited.
–STAT Completion Status Char Record Qualifier Used to indicate when a question about the occurrence of a pre-specified intervention was not answered. Should be null or have a value of NOT DONE.
–REASND Reason Not Done Char Record Qualifier Reason not done. Used in conjunction with –STAT when value is "NOT DONE".
–INDC Indication Char Record Qualifier Denotes the indication for the intervention (e.g., why the therapy was taken or administered).
–CLAS Class Char Variable Qualifier of –TRT Class for a medication or treatment, often obtained from a coding dictionary.
–CLASCD Class Code Char Variable Qualifier of –TRT Used to represent code for –CLAS.
–DOSE Dose Num Record Qualifier Amount of –TRT given. Not populated when –DOSTXT is populated.
–DOSTXT Dose Description Char Record Qualifier Dosing information collected in text form. Examples: <1 per day, 200-400. Not populated when –DOSE is populated.
–DOSU Dose Units Char Variable Qualifier of –DOSE, –DOSTXT or –DOSTOT Units for –DOSE, –DOSTOT, or –DOSTXT. Examples: "ng", "mg", "mg/kg".
–DOSFRM Dose Form Char Variable Qualifier of –DOSE, –DOSTXT or –DOSTOT Dose form for the treatment. Examples: "TABLET", "CAPSULE".
–DOSFRQ Dosing Frequency per Interval Char Variable Qualifier of –DOSE, –DOSTXT or –DOSTOT Usually expressed as the number of doses given per a specific interval. Examples: "Q2H", "QD", "PRN".
–DOSTOT Total Daily Dose Num Record Qualifier Total daily dose of –TRT using the units in –DOSU. Used when dosing is collected as Total Daily Dose.
–DOSRGM Intended Dose Regimen Char Variable Qualifier of –DOSE, –DOSTXT or –DOSTOT Text description of the (intended) schedule or regimen for the Intervention. Example: "TWO WEEKS ON, TWO WEEKS OFF".
–ROUTE Route of Administration Char Variable Qualifier of –TRT Route of administration for the intervention. Examples: "ORAL", "INTRAVENOUS".
–LOT Lot Number Char Record Qualifier Lot number for the intervention described in –TRT.
–LOC Location of Dose Administration Char Record Qualifier Anatomical location of an intervention, such as an injection site. Example: ARM for an injection.
–LAT Laterality Char Variable Qualifier of –LOC Qualifier for anatomical location further detailing laterality of intervention administration. Examples: "RIGHT", "LEFT", "BILATERAL".
–DIR Directionality Char Variable Qualifier of –LOC Qualifier for anatomical location further detailing directionality of intervention administration. Examples: "ANTERIOR", "LOWER", "PROXIMAL".
–PORTOT Portion or Totality Char Variable Qualifier of –LOC Qualifier for anatomical location further detailing the distribution, which means arrangement of, apportioning of the intervention administration. Examples: "ENTIRE", "SINGLE", "SEGMENT", "MANY".
–FAST Fasting Status Char Record Qualifier Indicator used to identify fasting status. Valid values include "Y", "N", "U" or null if not relevant.
–PSTRG Pharmaceutical Strength Num Record Qualifier Amount of an active ingredient expressed quantitatively per dosage unit, per unit of volume, or per unit of weight, according to the pharmaceutical dose form. Example: "50 mg/TABLET", "300 mg/L".
–PSTRGU Pharmaceutical Strength Units Char Variable Qualifier of –PSTRG Unit for –PSTRG. Example: "mg/TABLET", "mg/m"L.
–TRTV Treatment Vehicle Char Record Qualifier Vehicle for administration of treatment, such as a liquid in which the treatment drug is dissolved. Example: "SALINE".
–VAMT Treatment Vehicle Amount Num Record Qualifier Amount of the prepared product (treatment + vehicle) administered or given. Note: should not be diluent amount alone.
–VAMTU Treatment Vehicle Amount Units Char Variable Qualifier of –VAMT Units for the prepared product (treatment + vehicle). Examples: "mL", "mg".
–ADJ Reason for Dose Adjustment Char Record Qualifier Describes reason or explanation of why a dose is adjusted. Examples "ADVERSE EVENT", "INSUFFICIENT RESPONSE", "NON-MEDICAL REASON".
–RSDISC Reason for Treatment Discontinuation Char Record Qualifier Reason why the treatment was discontinued.
–USCHFL Unscheduled Flag Char Record Qualifier Indicates whether the timing of a performed test or observation was unscheduled. If a test or observation was performed based upon a schedule defined in the protocol, this flag should be null. Expected values are Y or null. Not to be used with human clinical trials. This variable would not be needed when information on planned assessments is provided, such as when the Trial Visits (TV) and Subject Visits (SV) domains are used.

2.2.2 The Events Observation Class

Table 2.2.2.1 Events—Topic and Qualifier Variables—One Record per Event

Variable Name Variable Label Type Role Description
Topic Variable
–TERM Reported Term Char Topic Topic variable for an event observation, which is the verbatim or pre-specified name of the event.
Qualifier Variables
–MODIFY Modified Reported Term Char Synonym Qualifier of –TERM If the value for –TERM is modified for coding purposes, then the modified text is placed here.
–LLT Lowest Level Term Char Variable Qualifier of –TERM MedDRA Lowest Level Term.
–LLTCD Lowest Level Term Code Num Variable Qualifier of –LLT MedDRA Lowest Level Term code.
–DECOD Dictionary-Derived Term Char Synonym Qualifier of –TERM Dictionary or sponsor-defined derived text description of the topic variable, –TERM, or the modified topic variable (–MODIFY), if applicable. Equivalent to the Preferred Term (PT in MedDRA).
–PTCD Preferred Term Code Num Variable Qualifier of –DECOD MedDRA Preferred Term code.
–HLT High Level Term Char Variable Qualifier of –TERM MedDRA High Level Term from the primary path.
–HLTCD High Level Term Code Num Variable Qualifier of –HLT MedDRA High Level Term code from the primary path.
–HLGT High Level Group Term Char Variable Qualifier of –TERM MedDRA High Level Group Term from the primary path.
–HLGTCD High Level Group Term Code Num Variable Qualifier of –HLGT MedDRA High Level Group Term code from the primary path.
–CAT Category Char Grouping Qualifier Used to define a category of topic-variable values.
–SCAT Subcategory Char Grouping Qualifier Used to define a further categorization of –CAT values.
–PRESP Pre-Specified Char Variable Qualifier of –TERM Used to indicate whether the event described by –TERM was pre-specified on a CRF. Value is Y for pre-specified events, null for spontaneously reported events.
–OCCUR Occurrence Indicator Char Record Qualifier Used to record whether a pre-specified event occurred when information about the occurrence of a specific event is solicited.
–STAT Completion Status Char Record Qualifier Used to indicate when a question about the occurrence of a pre-specified event was not answered. Should be null or have a value of NOT DONE.
–REASND Reason Not Done Char Record Qualifier Reason not done. Used in conjunction with –STAT when its value is "NOT DONE".
–BODSYS Body System or Organ Class Char Record Qualifier Body system or system organ class assigned for analysis from a standard hierarchy (e.g., MedDRA) associated with an event. Example: "GASTROINTESTINAL DISORDERS".
–BDSYCD Body System or Organ Class Code Num Variable Qualifier of –BODSYS MedDRA System Organ Class code corresponding to –BODSYS assigned for analysis.
–SOC Primary System Organ Class Char Variable Qualifier of –TERM MedDRA primary System Organ Class associated with the event.
–SOCCD Primary System Organ Class Code Num Variable Qualifier of –SOC MedDRA primary System Organ Class code.
–LOC Location of Event Char Record Qualifier Describes anatomical location relevant for the event. Example: "ARM" for skin rash.
–LAT Laterality Char Variable Qualifier of –LOC Qualifier for anatomical location further detailing laterality. Examples: "RIGHT", "LEFT", "BILATERAL".
–DIR Directionality Char Variable Qualifier of –LOC Qualifier for anatomical location further detailing directionality. Examples: "ANTERIOR", "LOWER", "PROXIMAL".
–PORTOT Portion or Totality Char Variable Qualifier of –LOC Qualifier for anatomical location further detailing the distribution, which means arrangement of, apportioning of. Examples: "ENTIRE", "SINGLE", "SEGMENT", "MANY".
–PARTY Accountable Party Char Record Qualifier Party accountable for the transferable object (e.g., device, specimen) as a result of the activity performed in the associated –TERM variable. The party could be an individual (e.g., subject), an organization (e.g., sponsor), or a location that is a proxy for an individual or organization (e.g., site). It is usually a somewhat general term that is further identified in the –PRTYID variable.
–PRTYID Identification of Accountable Party Char Record Qualifier Identification of the specific party accountable for the transferable object (e.g., device, specimen) after the action in –TERM is taken. Used in conjunction with –PARTY.
–SEV Severity/Intensity Char Record Qualifier The severity or intensity of the event. Examples: "MILD", "MODERATE", "SEVERE".
–SER Serious Event Char Record Qualifier Is this is a serious event? Valid values are "Y" and "N".
–ACN Action Taken with Study Treatment Char Record Qualifier Describes changes made to the study treatment as a result of the event. Examples: "DOSE INCREASED", "DOSE NOT CHANGED".
–ACNOTH Other Action Taken Char Record Qualifier Describes other actions taken as a result of the event that are unrelated to dose adjustments of study treatment.
–ACNDEV Action Taken with Device Char Record Qualifier Action taken with respect to a device in a study, which may or may not be the device under study.
–REL Causality Char Record Qualifier Records the investigator's opinion as to the causality of the event to the treatment. ICH E2A and E2B examples include "NOT RELATED", "UNLIKELY RELATED", "POSSIBLY RELATED", "RELATED".
–RELNST Relationship to Non-Study Treatment Char Record Qualifier An opinion as to whether the event may have been due to a treatment other than study drug. Example: "MORE LIKELY RELATED TO ASPIRIN USE".
–PATT Pattern of Event Char Record Qualifier Used to indicate the pattern of the event over time. Examples: "INTERMITTENT", "CONTINUOUS", "SINGLE EVENT".
–OUT Outcome of Event Char Record Qualifier Description of the outcome of an event. Examples: "RECOVERED/RESOLVED", "FATAL".
–SCAN Involves Cancer Char Record Qualifier Was the event associated with the development of cancer? Valid values are "Y", "N", and null.
–SCONG Congenital Anomaly or Birth Defect Char Record Qualifier Was the event associated with congenital anomaly or birth defect? Valid values are "Y", "N", and null.
–SDISAB Persist or Signif Disability/Incapacity Char Record Qualifier Did the event result in persistent or significant disability/incapacity? Valid values are "Y", "N", and null.
–SDTH Results in Death Char Record Qualifier Did the event result in death? Valid values are "Y", "N", and null.
–SHOSP Requires or Prolongs Hospitalization Char Record Qualifier Did the event require or prolong hospitalization? Valid values are "Y", "N", and null.
–SLIFE Is Life Threatening Char Record Qualifier Was the event life threatening? Valid values are "Y", "N", and null.
–SOD Occurred with Overdose Char Record Qualifier Did the event occur with an overdose? Valid values are "Y", "N", and null.
–SMIE Other Medically Important Serious Event Char Record Qualifier Do additional categories for seriousness apply? Valid values are "Y", "N", and null.
–CONTRT Concomitant or Additional Trtmnt Given Char Record Qualifier Was another treatment given because of the occurrence of the event? Valid values are "Y", "N", and null.
–TOX Toxicity Char Variable Qualifier of –TOXGR Description of toxicity quantified by –TOXGR such as NCI CTCAE Short Name. Examples: "HYPERCALCEMIA", "HYPOCALCEMIA". Sponsor should specify which scale and version is used in the Sponsor Comments column of the Define-XML document.
–TOXGR Toxicity Grade Char Record Qualifier Records toxicity grade using a standard toxicity scale (such as the NCI CTCAE). Sponsor should specify which scale and version is used in the Sponsor Comments column of the Define.XML document.
–USCHFL Unscheduled Flag Char Record Qualifier Indicates whether the timing of a performed test or observation was unscheduled. If a test or observation was performed based upon a schedule defined in the protocol, this flag should be null. Expected values are Y or null. Not to be used with human clinical trials. This variable would not be needed when information on planned assessments is provided, such as when the Trial Visits (TV) and Subject Visits (SV) domains are used.

2.2.3 The Findings Observation Class

Table 2.2.3.1 Findings—Topic and Qualifier Variables—One Record per Finding

Variable Name Variable Label Type Role Description
Topic Variable
–TESTCD Short Name of Measurement, Test, or Exam Char Topic Short character value for –TEST used as a column name when converting a dataset from a vertical format to a horizontal format. The short value can be up to 8 characters. Examples: "PLAT", "SYSBP", "RRMIN", "EYEEXAM".
Qualifier Variables
–TEST Name of Measurement, Test, or Exam Char Synonym Qualifier of –TESTCD Long name For –TESTCD. Examples: Platelets, Systolic Blood Pressure, Summary (Min) RR Duration, Eye Examination.
–MODIFY Modified Term Char Synonym Qualifier of –ORRES If the value of –ORRES is modified for coding purposes, then the modified text is placed here.
–TSTDTL Measurement, Test, or Examination Detail Char Variable Qualifier of –TESTCD and –TEST Further description of –TESTCD and –TEST. Example: "The percentage of cells with +1 intensity of staining" when MITEST = "Thyroid Transcription Factor 1".
–CAT Category Char Grouping Qualifier Used to define a category of topic-variable values. Examples: "HEMATOLOGY", "URINALYSIS", "CHEMISTRY", "HAMD 17", "SF36 V2.0 ACUTE", "EGFR MUTATION ANALYSIS".
–SCAT Subcategory Char Grouping Qualifier Used to define a further categorization of –CAT values. Example: "WBC DIFFERENTIAL".
–POS Position of Subject During Observation Char Record Qualifier Position of the subject during a measurement or examination. Examples: "SUPINE", "STANDING", "SITTING".
–BODSYS Body System or Organ Class Char Record Qualifier Body System or Organ Class that is involved for a finding from the standard hierarchy for dictionary-coded results. Example: MedDRA SOC.
–ORRES Result or Finding in Original Units Char Result Qualifier Result of the measurement or finding as originally received or collected. Examples: "120", "<1", "POS".
–ORRESU Original Units Char Variable Qualifier of –ORRES and –ORREF Unit for –ORRES and –ORREF. Examples: "in", "LB", "kg/L".
–ORNRLO Normal Range Lower Limit-Original Units Char Variable Qualifier of –ORRES Lower end of normal range or reference range for results stored in –ORRES.
–ORNRHI Normal Range Upper Limit-Original Units Char Variable Qualifier of –ORRES Upper end of normal range or reference range for results stored in –ORRES.
–ORREF Reference Result in Original Units Char Variable Qualifier of –ORRES Reference value for the result or finding as originally received or collected. –ORREF uses the same units as –ORRES, if applicable. Examples: value from predicted normal value in spirometry tests.
–STRESC Result or Finding in Standard Format Char Result Qualifier Contains the result value for all findings, copied or derived from –ORRES in a standard format or in standard units. –STRESC should store all results or findings in character format; if results are numeric, they should also be stored in numeric format in –STRESN. For example, if various tests have results "NONE", "NEG", and "NEGATIVE" in –ORRES and these results effectively have the same meaning, they could be represented in standard format in –STRESC as "NEGATIVE".
–STRESN Numeric Result/Finding in Standard Units Num Result Qualifier Used for continuous or numeric results or findings in standard format; copied in numeric format from –STRESC. –STRESN should store all numeric test results or findings.
–STRESU Standard Units Char Variable Qualifier of –STRESC and –STRESN and –STREFC and –STREFN Standardized units used for –STRESC, –STRESN, –STREFC, and –STREFN. Example: "mol/L".
–STNRLO Normal Range Lower Limit-Standard Units Num Variable Qualifier of –STRESC and –STRESN Lower end of normal range or reference range for standardized results (e.g., –STRESC, –STRESN) represented in standardized units (–STRESU).
–STNRHI Normal Range Upper Limit-Standard Units Num Variable Qualifier of –STRESC and –STRESN Upper end of normal range or reference range for standardized results (e.g., –STRESC, –STRESN) represented in standardized units (–STRESU).
–STNRC Normal Range for Character Results Char Variable Qualifier of –STRESC Normal range or reference range for results stored in –STRESC that are character in ordinal or categorical scale. Example: "Negative to Trace".
–STREFC Reference Result in Standard Format Char Variable Qualifier of –STRESC Reference value for the result or finding copied or derived from –ORREF in a standard format.
–STREFN Numeric Reference Result in Std Units Num Variable Qualifier of –STRESN Reference value for continuous or numeric results or findings in standard format or in standard units. –STREFN uses the same units as –STRESN, if applicable.
–NRIND Normal/Reference Range Indicator Char Variable Qualifier of –ORRES Used to indicate the value is outside the normal range or reference range. May be defined by –ORNRLO and –ORNRHI or other objective criteria. Examples: "Y", "N"; "HIGH", "LOW"; "NORMAL", "ABNORMAL".
–RESCAT Result Category Char Variable Qualifier of –ORRES Used to categorize the result of a finding. Example: "MALIGNANT" or "BENIGN" for tumor findings.
–CHRON Chronicity of Finding Char Variable Qualifier of –STRESC Characterization of the duration of a biological process resulting in a particular finding. Examples: "ACUTE", "CHRONIC", "SUBACUTE".
–DISTR Distribution Pattern of Finding Char Variable Qualifier of –STRESC Description of the distribution pattern of a finding within the examined area. Examples: "FOCAL", "MULTIFOCAL", "DIFFUSE", "FOCAL", "MULTIFOCAL".
–RESLOC Result Location of Finding Char Result Qualifier Location where the result was observed (as opposed to the location specified for examination). This location may have a higher degree of specificity than the location specified for examination. Not to be used with human clinical trials.
–STAT Completion Status Char Record Qualifier Used to indicate that a question was not asked or a test was not done, or a test was attempted but did not generate a result. Should be null or have a value of "NOT DONE".
–REASND Reason Not Done Char Record Qualifier Reason not done. Used in conjunction with –STAT when value is "NOT DONE".
–XFN External File Path Char Record Qualifier Filename for an external file, such as one for an ECG waveform or a medical image.
–NAM Laboratory/Vendor Name Char Record Qualifier Name or identifier of the vendor (e.g., laboratory) that provided the test results.
–LOINC LOINC Code Char Synonym Qualifier of –TESTCD Logical Observation Identifiers Names and Codes (LOINC) code for the topic variable such as a lab test.
–SPEC Specimen Material Type Char Record Qualifier Defines the type of specimen used for a measurement. Examples: "SERUM", "PLASMA", "URINE", "DNA", "RNA".
–ANTREG Anatomical Region Char Variable Qualifier of –SPEC Defines the specific anatomical or biological region of a tissue, organ specimen or the region from which the specimen is obtained, as defined in the protocol, such as a section or part of what is described in the –SPEC variable. Examples: "CORTEX", "MEDULLA", "MUCOSA".
–SPCCND Specimen Condition Char Record Qualifier Defines the condition of the specimen. Example: "CLOUDY".
–SPCUFL Specimen Usability for the Test Char Record Qualifier Describes the usability of the specimen for the test. The value will be "N" if the specimen is not usable, and null if the specimen is usable.
–LOC Location Used for the Measurement Char Record Qualifier Anatomical location of the subject relevant to the collection of the measurement. Examples: "RECTAL" for temperature, "ARM" for blood pressure.
–LAT Laterality Char Variable Qualifier of –LOC Qualifier for anatomical location or specimen further detailing laterality. Examples: "RIGHT", "LEFT", "BILATERAL".
–DIR Directionality Char Variable Qualifier of –LOC Qualifier for anatomical location or specimen further detailing directionality. Examples: "ANTERIOR", "LOWER", "PROXIMAL".
–PORTOT Portion or Totality Char Variable Qualifier of –LOC Qualifier for anatomical location or specimen further detailing the distribution, which means arrangement of, apportioning of. Examples: "ENTIRE", "SINGLE", "SEGMENT", "MANY".
–METHOD Method of Test or Examination Char Record Qualifier Method of the test or examination. Examples: "EIA" (enzyme immunoassay), "ELECTROPHORESIS", "DIPSTICK".
–RUNID Run ID Char Record Qualifier A unique identifier for a particular run of a test on a particular batch of samples.
–ANMETH Analysis Method Char Record Qualifier Analysis method applied to obtain a summarized result. Analysis method describes the method of secondary processing applied to a complex observation result (e.g., an image or a genetic sequence).
–LEAD Lead Identified to Collect Measurements Char Record Qualifier Lead or leads identified to capture the measurement for a test from an instrument. Examples: "LEAD I", "LEAD V2", "LEAD CM5".
–CSTATE Consciousness State Char Record Qualifier The consciousness state of the subject at the time of measurement. Examples: "CONSCIOUS", "SEMI-CONSCIOUS", "UNCONSCIOUS".
–LOBXFL Last Observation Before Exposure Flag Char Record Qualifier Operationally-derived indicator used to identify the last non-missing value prior to RFXSTDTC. Should be "Y" or null.
–BLFL Baseline Flag Char Record Qualifier Indicator used to identify a baseline value. Should be "Y" or null.
–FAST Fasting Status Char Record Qualifier Indicator used to identify fasting status. Valid values include "Y", "N", "U", or null if not relevant.
–DRVFL Derived Flag Char Record Qualifier Used to indicate a derived record (e.g., a record that represents the average of other records such as a computed baseline). Should be "Y" or null.
–EVAL Evaluator Char Record Qualifier Role of the person who provided the evaluation. Used only for results that are subjective (e.g., assigned by a person or a group). Examples: "ADJUDICATION COMMITTEE", "INDEPENDENT ASSESSOR", "RADIOLOGIST".
–EVALID Evaluator Identifier Char Variable Qualifier of –EVAL Used to distinguish multiple evaluators with the same role recorded in –EVAL. Examples: "RADIOLOGIST1", "RADIOLOGIST2".
–ACPTFL Accepted Record Flag Char Record Qualifier In cases where more than one assessor provides an evaluation of a result or response, this flag identifies the record that is considered to be the accepted evaluation. Expected values can include "Y", "N", or null. This is not intended to be an analysis flag to indicate acceptability for a given analysis.
–TOX Toxicity Char Variable Qualifier of –TOXGR Description of toxicity quantified by –TOXGR such as NCI CTCAE Short Name. Examples: "HYPERCALCEMIA", "HYPOCALCEMIA". Sponsor should specify which scale and version is used in the Sponsor Comments column of the Define-XML document.
–TOXGR Toxicity Grade Char Record Qualifier Records toxicity grade using a standard toxicity scale (such as the NCI CTCAE). Sponsor should specify which scale and version is used in the Sponsor Comments column of the Define data definition document. Example: 2.
–SEV Severity Char Record Qualifier Describes the severity or intensity of a particular finding. Examples: "MILD", "MODERATE", "SEVERE".
–DTHREL Relationship to Death Char Record Qualifier Describes the relationship of a particular finding to the death of a subject. Examples: "Y", "N", or "U". Not to be used with human clinical trials.
–LLOQ Lower Limit of Quantitation Num Variable Qualifier of –STRESC and –STRESN Indicates the lower limit of quantitation for an assay. Units will be those used for –STRESU.
–ULOQ Upper Limit of Quantitation Num Variable Qualifier of –STRESC and –STRESN Indicates the upper limit of quantitation for an assay. Units will be those used for –STRESU.
–EXCLFL Exclude from Statistics Char Record Qualifier Indicates whether the values in the result variables for this record should be excluded from summary statistical calculations such as Mean, Standard Deviation, and Count (and others). Expected to be Y or null. –EXCLFL should not be used when –STAT is "NOT DONE". Not to be used with human clinical trials.
–REASEX Reason for Exclusion from Statistics Char Record Qualifier Reason excluded from statistics. Used in conjunction with –EXCLFL when its value is "Y". Not to be used with human clinical trials.
–USCHFL Unscheduled Flag Char Record Qualifier Indicates whether the timing of a performed test or observation was unscheduled. If a test or observation was performed based upon a schedule defined in the protocol, this flag should be null. Expected values are "Y" or null. Not to be used with human clinical trials. This variable would not be needed when information on planned assessments is provided, such as when the Trial Visits (TV) and Subject Visits (SV) domains are used.
–REPNUM Repetition Number Num Record Qualifier The instance number of a test that is repeated within a given timeframe for the same test. The level of granularity can vary (e.g., within a time point or within a visit). For example, multiple measurements of blood pressure or multiple analyses of a sample.
2.2.3.1 Findings About Events or Interventions

Findings About Events or Interventions utilizes the Findings General Observation Class variables with the addition of the –OBJ variable, as described in the following table. Note that the –OBJ variable must only be used in Findings About Events or Interventions.

Table 2.2.3.1.1 Findings About—Additional Qualifiers

Variable Name Variable Label Type Role Description
–OBJ Object of the Observation Char Record Qualifier Used in domains modeled as Findings About Events or Findings About Interventions. Describes the event or intervention whose property is being measured in –TESTCD/–TEST. Example: an event of vomiting which has findings, where –OBJ = "VOMIT" and the volume of VOMIT is being measured where –TESTCD = "VOLUME".

2.2.4 Identifiers for All Classes

All of the following identifier variables are available for use in any domain based on one of the 3 general observation classes. STUDYID, DOMAIN, and –SEQ are required in all domains based on one of the 3 general observation classes. Each general class domain must also include at least one of the following subject identifiers: USUBJID, APID, SPDEVID, or POOLID.

All identifier variables are allowed for all implementation guides.

Table 2.2.4.1 All Observation Classes—Identifiers

Variable Name Variable Label Type Description
STUDYID Study Identifier Char Unique identifier for a study.
DOMAIN Domain Abbreviation Char 2-character abbreviation for the domain most relevant to the observation. The domain abbreviation is also used as a prefix for variables to ensure uniqueness when datasets are merged.
USUBJID Unique Subject Identifier Char Identifier used to uniquely identify a subject across all studies for all applications or submissions involving the product.
APID Associated Persons Identifier Char Identifier for a single associated person, a group of associated persons, or a pool of associated persons. If APID identifies a pool, POOLDEF records must exist for each associated person. (See Table 4.1.3.1, Pool Definition Dataset and Section 6, Applying Model Fundamentals to Associated Persons).
POOLID Pool Identifier Char An identifier used to identify a result from a group of subjects that is not assignable to a specific subject.
SPDEVID Sponsor Device Identifier Char Sponsor-defined identifier for a device.
NHOID Non-Host Organism Identifier Char Sponsor-defined identifier for a non-host organism. This variable should be populated with an intuitive name based on the identity of the non-host organism as reported by the lab. Example: "A/California/7/2009 (H1N1)".
FETUSID Fetus Identifier Char Identifier used to identify a fetus from a maternal subject for prenatal evaluations. FETUSID uniquely identifies a fetus within a subject. Not to be used with human clinical trials.
FOCID Focus of Study-Specific Interest Char Identification of a focus of study-specific interest on or within a subject or specimen as called out in the protocol for which a measurement, test, or examination was performed, such as a drug application site (e.g., "Injection site 1", "Biopsy site 1", "Treated site 1"), or a more specific focus (e.g., "OD" (right eye) or "Upper left quadrant of the back"). The value in this variable should have inherent semantic meaning.
–SEQ Sequence Number Num Sequence number to ensure uniqueness of records within a dataset for a subject (or within a parameter, in the case of the Trial Summary domain). May be any valid number (including decimals) and does not have to start at 1.
–GRPID Group ID Char Optional group identifier, used to link together a block of related records within a subject in a domain. Also used to link together a block of related records in the Trial Summary Information (Section 3.3).
–REFID Reference ID Char Optional internal or external identifier such as lab specimen ID, or UUID for an ECG waveform or a medical image.
–RECID Invariant Record Identifier Char Identifier for a record that is unique within a domain for a study and that remains invariant through subsequent versions of the dataset, even if the content of the record is modified. When a record is deleted, this value must not be reused to identify another record in either the current or future versions of the domain.
–SPID Sponsor-Defined Identifier Char Sponsor-defined identifier. Example: pre-printed line identifier on a Concomitant Medications page.
–LNKID Link ID Char Identifier used to link related records across domains. This may be a one-to-one or a one-to-many relationship. For example, a single tumor may have multiple measurements/assessments performed at each study visit.
–LNKGRP Link Group ID Char Identifier used to link related records across domains. This will usually be a many-to-one relationship. For example, multiple tumor measurements/assessments will contribute to a single response to therapy determination record.

2.2.5 Timing Variables for All Classes

The following timing variables are available for use in any domain based on one of the 3 general observation classes, except where restricted in the assumptions for the standard domain models in the implementation guides. See Sections 2.2.6-2.2.11 for additional guidance relating to special-purpose domains.

Table 2.2.5.1 All Observation Classes—Timing Variables

Variable Name Variable Label Type Format Description
VISITNUM Visit Number Num Clinical encounter number. Numeric version of VISIT, used for sorting.
VISIT Visit Name Char Protocol-defined description of a clinical encounter.
VISITDY Planned Study Day of Visit Num Planned study day of VISIT. Should be an integer.
TAETORD Planned Order of Element Within Arm Num Number that gives the planned order of the Element within the Arm (see Section 3.1.2, Trial Arms).
EPOCH Epoch Char Epoch associated with the start date or start date and time of the observation, or the date/time of collection if start date/time is not collected (see Section 3.1.2, Trial Arms).
RPHASE Repro Phase Char Reproductive Phase with which the Reproductive Stage of the Reproductive Path is associated. Defined in Trial Paths domain. The RPHASE variable is Required when any Reproductive Phase Day variable is used. Not to be used with human clinical trials.
RPPLDY Planned Repro Phase Day of Observation Num The planned day within the Reproductive Phase on which the observation was scheduled to occur. Expressed as an integer. Not to be used with human clinical trials.
RPPLSTDY Planned Repro Phase Day of Obs Start Num The planned day within the Reproductive Phase of the start of the observation. Expressed as an integer. Not to be used with human clinical trials.
RPPLENDY Planned Repro Phase Day of Obs End Num The planned day within the Reproductive Phase of the end of the observation. Expressed as an integer. Not to be used with human clinical trials.
–DTC Date/Time of Collection Char ISO 8601 Collection date and time of an observation.
–STDTC Start Date/Time of Observation Char ISO 8601 Start date/time of an observation.
–ENDTC End Date/Time of Observation Char ISO 8601 End date/time of the observation.
–DY Study Day of Visit/Collection/Exam Num Actual study day of visit/collection/exam expressed in integer days relative to the sponsor-defined RFSTDTC in Demographics.
–STDY Study Day of Start of Observation Num Actual study day of start of observation expressed in integer days relative to the sponsor-defined RFSTDTC in Demographics.
–ENDY Study Day of End of Observation Num Actual study day of end of observation expressed in integer days relative to the sponsor-defined RFSTDTC in Demographics.
–NOMDY Nominal Study Day for Tabulations Num The nominal study day used by data-collection and reporting systems for grouping records for observations that may be scheduled to occur on different days into a single study day (e.g., output on a tabulation report). Not to be used with human clinical trials.
–NOMLBL Label for Nominal Study Day Char A label for a given value of –NOMDY, within a domain, as presented in the study report. Not to be used with human clinical trials.
–RPDY Actual Repro Phase Day of Observation Num The actual day within the Reproductive Phase on which the observation occurred. Expressed as an integer. Not to be used with human clinical trials.
–RPSTDY Actual Repro Phase Day of Obs Start Num The actual day within the Reproductive Phase of the start of the observation. Expressed as an integer. Not to be used with human clinical trials.
–RPENDY Actual Repro Phase Day of Obs End Num The actual day within the Reproductive Phase of the end of the observation. Expressed as an integer. Not to be used with human clinical trials.
–DUR Duration Char ISO 8601 Collected duration of an event, intervention, or finding. Used only if collected on the CRF and not derived.
–TPT Planned Time Point Name Char Text description of time when a measurement or observation should be taken as defined in the protocol. This may be represented as an elapsed time relative to a fixed reference point, such as time of last dose. See –TPTNUM and –TPTREF.
–TPTNUM Planned Time Point Number Num Numeric version of planned time point used in sorting.
–ELTM Planned Elapsed Time from Time Point Ref Char ISO 8601 Planned Elapsed time relative to a planned fixed reference (–TPTREF) such as "Previous Dose" or "Previous Meal". This variable is useful where there are repetitive measures. Not a clock time or a date/time variable, but an interval.
–TPTREF Time Point Reference Char Description of the fixed reference point referred to by –ELTM, –TPTNUM, –TPT, –STINT, and –ENINT. Examples: "PREVIOUS DOSE", "PREVIOUS MEAL".
–RFTDTC Date/Time of Reference Time Point Char ISO 8601 Date/time for a fixed reference time point defined by –TPTREF.
–STRF Start Relative to Reference Period Char Identifies the start of the observation as being before, during, or after the sponsor-defined reference period. The sponsor-defined reference period is a continuous period of time defined by a discrete starting point and a discrete ending point represented by RFSTDTC and RFENDTC in Demographics.
–ENRF End Relative to Reference Period Char Identifies the end of the observation as being before, during or after the sponsor-defined reference period. The sponsor-defined reference period is a continuous period of time defined by a discrete starting point and a discrete ending point represented by RFSTDTC and RFENDTC in Demographics.
–EVLINT Evaluation Interval Char ISO 8601 Duration of interval associated with an observation such as a finding –TESTCD. Usually used with –DTC to describe an interval of this duration that ended at the time represented in –DTC. Example: "-P2M" to represent a period of the past 2 months as the evaluation interval for a question from a questionnaire.
–EVINTX Evaluation Interval Text Char Evaluation interval associated with an observation, where the interval is not able to be represented in ISO 8601 format. Examples: "LIFETIME", "LAST NIGHT", "RECENTLY", "OVER THE LAST FEW WEEKS".
–STRTPT Start Relative to Reference Time Point Char Identifies the start of the observation as being before or after the sponsor-defined reference time point defined by variable –STTPT.
–STTPT Start Reference Time Point Char Description or date/time in ISO 8601 or other character format of the sponsor-defined reference point referred to by –STRTPT. Examples: "2003-12-15" or "VISIT 1".
–ENRTPT End Relative to Reference Time Point Char Identifies the end of the observation as being before or after the sponsor-defined reference time point defined by variable –ENTPT.
–ENTPT End Reference Time Point Char Description or date/time in ISO 8601 or other character format of the sponsor-defined reference point referred to by –ENRTPT. Examples: "2003-12-25" or "VISIT 2".
MIDS Disease Milestone Instance Name Char The name of a specific instance of a Disease Milestone Type (MIDSTYPE) described in the Trial Disease Milestones dataset (see Section 3.5, Trial Disease Milestones). This should be unique within a subject. Used only in conjunction with RELMIDS and MIDSDTC.
RELMIDS Temporal Relation to Milestone Instance Char The temporal relationship of the observation to the Disease Milestone Instance Name in MIDS. Examples: "IMMEDIATELY BEFORE", "AT TIME OF", "AFTER".
MIDSDTC Disease Milestone Instance Date/Time Char ISO 8601 The start date/time of the Disease Milestone Instance Name in MIDS.
–STINT Planned Start of Assessment Interval Char ISO 8601 The start of a planned evaluation or assessment interval relative to the Time Point Reference (–TPTREF).
–ENINT Planned End of Assessment Interval Char ISO 8601 The end of a planned evaluation or assessment interval relative to the Time Point Reference (–TPTREF).
–DETECT Time in Days to Detection Num The number of days from the start of dosing to the earliest detection of a condition or pathogen. Not to be used with human clinical trials.

2.2.6 Demographics

Each study must include 1 standardized set of observations in a specific structure; this is the Demographics domain described in Table 2.2.6.1. Demographics is the parent domain for all other observations for subjects and should be identified with the domain code of "DM". The DM domain describes the essential characteristics of the study subjects, and is used by reviewers for selecting sub-sets of subjects for analysis. The DM domain, as with other datasets, includes Identifiers, a Topic variable, Timing variables, and Qualifiers. See the respective implementation guides for further guidance regarding use of additional Identifier and Timing variables.

Table 2.2.6.1 Subject Demographics Domain Variables

Variable Name Variable Label Type Format Role Description
STUDYID Study Identifier Char Identifier Unique identifier for a study.
DOMAIN Domain Abbreviation Char Identifier 2-character abbreviation for the domain, which must be "DM".
USUBJID Unique Subject Identifier Char Identifier Identifier used to uniquely identify a subject across all studies for all applications or submissions involving the product.
SUBJID Subject Identifier for the Study Char Topic Subject identifier, which must be unique within the study. Often the ID of the subject as recorded on a CRF.
RFSTDTC Subject Reference Start Date/Time Char ISO 8601 Record Qualifier Reference start date or start date and time for the subject. Usually equivalent to date/time when subject was first exposed to study treatment. Required for all randomized subjects; will be null for all subjects who did not meet the milestone the date requires, such as screen failures or unassigned subjects.
RFENDTC Subject Reference End Date/Time Char ISO 8601 Record Qualifier Reference end date/time for the subject. Usually equivalent to the date/time when subject was determined to have ended the trial, and often equivalent to date/time of last exposure to study treatment. Required for all randomized subjects; null for screen failures or unassigned subjects.
RFXSTDTC Date/Time of First Study Treatment Char ISO 8601 Record Qualifier First date/time of exposure to any protocol-specified treatment or therapy for the subject.
RFXENDTC Date/Time of Last Study Treatment Char ISO 8601 Record Qualifier Last date/time of exposure to any protocol-specified treatment or therapy for the subject.
RFICDTC Date/Time of Informed Consent Char ISO 8601 Record Qualifier Date/time of informed consent.
RFPENDTC Date/Time of End of Participation Char ISO 8601 Record Qualifier Date/time when subject ended participation or follow-up in a trial. Should correspond to the last known date of contact.
DTHDTC Date/Time of Death Char ISO 8601 Record Qualifier Date/time of death for any subject who died, in ISO 8601 format. Should represent the date/time that is captured in the clinical-trial database.
DTHFL Subject Death Flag Char Record Qualifier A value of "Y" indicates the subject died. Should be "Y" or null. Should be populated even when the death date is unknown.
SITEID Study Site Identifier Char Record Qualifier Unique identifier for a site within a study.
INVID Investigator Identifier Char Record Qualifier An identifier to describe the Investigator for the study. May be used in addition to the SITEID. Not needed if SITEID is equivalent to INVID.
INVNAM Investigator Name Char Synonym Qualifier of INVID Name of the investigator for a site.
BRTHDTC Date/Time of Birth Char ISO 8601 Record Qualifier Date/time of birth of the subject.
AGE Age Num Record Qualifier Age expressed in AGEU. May be derived as (RFSTDTC-BRTHDTC), but BRTHDTC may not be available in all cases (due to subject privacy concerns).
AGETXT Age Text Char number-number Record Qualifier The age of the subject at study start, as planned, expressed as a range. If an age integer value is available, then populate the age variable instead. Either the AGE or AGETXT variable should be populated, but not both.
AGEU Age Units Char Variable Qualifier of AGE or AGETXT Units associated with AGE or AGETXT.
SEX Sex Char Record Qualifier Sex of the subject.
RACE Race Char Record Qualifier Race of the subject. Sponsors should refer to "Collection of Race and Ethnicity Data in Clinical Trials" (FDA, October 2016) for guidance regarding the collection of race (http://www.fda.gov/downloads/RegulatoryInformation/Guidances/ucm126396.pdf).
ETHNIC Ethnicity Char Record Qualifier The ethnicity of the subject. Sponsors should refer to "Collection of Race and Ethnicity Data in Clinical Trials" (FDA, October 2016) for guidance regarding the collection of ethnicity (http://www.fda.gov/downloads/RegulatoryInformation/Guidances/ucm126396.pdf).
SPECIES Species Char Record Qualifier Used to identify the common species name of the subject (i.e., test system) under study (e.g., "MOUSE", "RAT", "DOG", "MONKEY"). Not to be used with human clinical trials.
STRAIN Strain/Substrain Char Record Qualifier Used to identify the vendor-supplied strain/substrain designation for the subject (i.e., test system) under study. When applicable, it combines the root strain, substrain, and associated genetic modifications, as supplied by the vendor (e.g., "C57BL/6", "A/J", "B6.129-Pparg<tm2Rev>/J", "FISCHER 344", "SPRAGUE DAWLEY IGS", "WISTAR Kyoto", "BEAGLE", "CYNOMOLGUS", "CHIMPANZEE"). Not to be used with human clinical trials.
SBSTRAIN Strain/Substrain Details Char Variable Qualifier of STRAIN Free-text field that allows the sponsor to enter additional details regarding the subject (i.e. test system) under study, such as a description of a specific genetic alteration. Not to be used with human clinical trials.
ARMCD Planned Arm Code Char Record Qualifier Short name for the Arm to which the subject was assigned, limited to 20 characters.
ARM Description of Planned Arm Char Synonym Qualifier of ARMCD Name of the Arm to which the subject was assigned.
ACTARMCD Actual Arm Code Char Record Qualifier Short name for the actual Arm in which the subject participated during the trial, limited to 20 characters.
ACTARM Description of Actual Arm Char Synonym Qualifier of ACTARMCD Description of the actual Arm in which the subject participated during the trial.
ARMNRS Reason Arm and/or Actual Arm is Null Char Record Qualifier The reason why the actual arm variables are null or why both the planned and actual arm variables are null. Examples: "SCREEN FAILURE", "NOT ASSIGNED", "NOT TREATED", "UNPLANNED TREATMENT". It is assumed that if the arm and actual arm variables are null, the same reason applies to both.
ACTARMUD Description of Unplanned Actual Arm Char Record Qualifier A description of actual treatment for a subject who did not receive treatment described in one of the planned trial arms.
SETCD Set Code Char Record Qualifier Short name of a specific Trial Set, as defined by the sponsor (see Section 3.1.4, Trial Sets). Maximum of 8 characters. This represents the code for the Trial Set for which parameters are being submitted.
RPATHCD Planned Repro Path Code Char Record Qualifier Short name for the planned Repro Path to which the subject was assigned. Limited to 20 characters. Not to be used with human clinical trials.
COUNTRY Country Char ISO 3166-1 Alpha-3 Record Qualifier Country of the investigation site at which the subject participated in the trial.
DMDTC Date/Time of Collection Char ISO 8601 Timing Date/time of collection of the demographic information.
DMDY Study Day of Collection Num Timing Study day of collection measured as integer days. Algorithm for calculations must be relative to the sponsor-defined RFSTDTC in Demographics.

2.2.7 Comments

Comments are collected during the conduct of many studies. These are normally supplied by a principal investigator, but might also be collected from other sources such as central reviewers. When collected, comments should be submitted in a single Comments domain, which is defined in Table 2.2.7.1.

See the implementation guides for further guidance regarding use of additional Identifier and Timing variables.

Table 2.2.7.1 Comments Domain Variables

Variable Name Variable Label Type Format Role Description
STUDYID Study Identifier Char Identifier Unique identifier for a study.
DOMAIN Domain Abbreviation Char Identifier 2-character abbreviation for the domain, which must be "CO".
RDOMAIN Related Domain Abbreviation Char Record Qualifier Domain Abbreviation of the parent record(s). Null for records collected on general comments or additional information CRF page.
USUBJID Unique Subject Identifier Char Identifier Identifier used to uniquely identify a subject across all studies for all applications or submissions involving the product.
POOLID Pool Identifier Char Identifier Used to identify a result for pooled subjects that is not assignable to any one individual within the pool.
COSEQ Sequence Number Num Identifier Sequence number to ensure uniqueness within the dataset. Should be assigned to be in a consistent chronological order.
IDVAR Identifying Variable Char Record Qualifier Identifying variable in the parent dataset that identifies the record(s) to which the comment applies. Examples: AESEQ or CMGRPID. Used only when individual comments are related to domain records. Null for comments collected on separate CRFs.
IDVARVAL Identifying Variable Value Char Record Qualifier Value of identifying variable of the parent record(s). Null for comments collected on separate CRFs.
COREF Comment Reference Char Record Qualifier Sponsor-defined reference associated with the comment. May be the CRF page number (e.g., 650), or a module name (e.g., "DEMOG"), or a combination of information that identifies the reference (e.g., "650-VITALS-VISIT 2").
COVAL Comment Char Topic The text of the comment. Text over 200 characters can be added to additional columns COVAL1-COVALn.
COEVAL Evaluator Char Record Qualifier Used to describe the originator of the comment. Example: "CENTRAL REVIEWER".
COEVALID Evaluator Identifier Char Variable Qualifier of COEVAL Used to distinguish multiple evaluators with the same role recorded in –EVAL. Examples: "RADIOLOGIST1", "RADIOLOGIST2".
CODTC Date/Time of Comment Char ISO 8601 Timing Date or date and time of comment on dedicated comment form, if collected. Should be null if this is a child record of another domain or if comment date was not collected.
CODY Study Day of Comment Num Timing Actual study day of the comment, in integer days. The algorithm for calculations must be relative to the sponsor-defined RFSTDTC variable in the Demographics (DM) domain.

2.2.8 Subject Elements

Subject Elements describes the actual order of Elements that were traversed by the subject, together with the start date or start date and time and end date/time for each Element (see Table 2.2.8.1). Planned Elements are described in the Trial Design Model (see Section 3.1.1, Trial Elements). Because actual data does not always follow the plan, the SDTM allows for descriptions of an unplanned Element for subjects (SEUPDES).

See the implementation guides for further guidance regarding use of additional Identifier and Timing variables.

Table 2.2.8.1 Subject Elements—One Record per Actual Element per Subject

Variable Name Variable Label Type Format Role Description
STUDYID Study Identifier Char Identifier Unique identifier for a study.
DOMAIN Domain Abbreviation Char Identifier 2-character abbreviation for the domain, which must be "SE".
USUBJID Unique Subject Identifier Char Identifier Identifier used to uniquely identify a subject across all studies for all applications or submissions involving the product.
SESEQ Sequence Number Num Identifier Sequence number to ensure uniqueness within the dataset. Should be assigned to be in a consistent chronological order.
ETCD Element Code Char Topic ETCD (the companion to ELEMENT) is limited to 8 characters and does not have special character restrictions. These values should be short for ease of use in programming, but it is not expected that ETCD will need to serve as a variable name.
ELEMENT Description of Element Char Synonym Qualifier of ETCD The name of the Element. If ETCD has a value of "UNPLAN" then ELEMENT should be null.
TAETORD Planned Order of Element within Arm Num Timing Number that gives the planned order of the Element within the subject's assigned Arm.
EPOCH Epoch Char Timing Epoch associated with the Element in the planned sequence of Elements for the Arm to which the subject was assigned.
SESTDTC Start Date/Time of Element Char ISO 8601 Timing Start date or start date and time for an Element for each subject.
SEENDTC End Date/Time of Element Char ISO 8601 Timing End date/time of an Element for each subject.
SEUPDES Description of Unplanned Element Char Synonym Qualifier of ETCD Description of what happened to the subject during an unplanned Element. Used only if ETCD has the value of "UNPLAN".

2.2.9 Subject Visits

Subject Visits describes the actual start and end date/time for each visit of each individual subject (see Table 2.2.9.1). Planned trial visits are described in the Trial Design Model (see Section 3.1.3, Trial Visits). Because actual data does not always follow the plan, the SDTM allows for descriptions of unplanned visits for subjects (SVUPDES).

See the implementation guides for further guidance regarding use of additional Identifier and Timing variables.

Table 2.2.9.1 Subject Visits—One Record per Subject Visit, per Subject

Variable Name Variable Label Type Format Role Description
STUDYID Study Identifier Char Identifier Unique identifier for a study.
DOMAIN Domain Abbreviation Char Identifier 2-character abbreviation for the domain, which must be "SV".
USUBJID Unique Subject Identifier Char Identifier Identifier used to uniquely identify a subject across all studies for all applications or submissions involving the product.
VISITNUM Visit Number Num Topic Clinical encounter number. (Decimal numbering may be useful for inserting unplanned visits.) Numeric version of VISIT, used for sorting.
VISIT Visit Name Char Timing Protocol-defined description of clinical encounter or description of unplanned visit. May be used in addition to VISITNUM and/or VISITDY as a text description of the clinical encounter.
VISITDY Planned Study Day of Visit Num Timing Planned study day of the start of the visit based upon RFSTDTC in Demographics.
SVSTDTC Start Date/Time of Visit Char ISO 8601 Timing Start date or start date and time for a subject's visit.
SVENDTC End Date/Time of Visit Char ISO 8601 Timing End date/time of a subject's visit.
SVSTDY Study Day of Start of Visit Num Timing Study day of start of visit relative to the sponsor-defined RFSTDTC.
SVENDY Study Day of End of Visit Num Timing Study day of end of visit relative to the sponsor-defined RFSTDTC.
SVUPDES Description of Unplanned Visit Char Synonym Qualifier of VISITNUM Description of what happened to the subject during an unplanned visit. Null for protocol-defined visits.

2.2.10 Subject Disease Milestones

Subject Disease Milestones (see Table 2.2.10.1) is designed to record the timing, for each subject, of Disease Milestones that have been defined in the Trial Disease Milestones (see Section 3.5, Trial Disease Milestones).

Table 2.2.10.1 Subject Disease Milestones—One Record per Disease Milestone, per Subject

Variable Name Variable Label Type Format Role Description
STUDYID Study Identifier Char Identifier Unique identifier for a study.
DOMAIN Domain Char Identifier 2-character abbreviation for the domain, which must be "SM".
USUBJID Unique Subject Identifier Char Identifier Identifier used to uniquely identify a subject across all studies for all applications or submissions involving the product.
SMSEQ Sequence Number Num Identifier Sequence Number given to ensure uniqueness of subject records. Should be assigned to be consistent with chronological order.
MIDS Disease Milestone Instance Name Char Topic Name of the specific Disease Milestone. For types of Disease Milestones that can occur multiple times, the name will end with a sequence number. Example: "HYPO1".
MIDSTYPE Disease Milestone Type Char Record Qualifier The type of Disease Milestone. Example:"HYPOGLYCEMIC EVENT".
SMSTDTC Start Date/Time of Milestone Char ISO 8601 Timing Start date or start date and time of Milestone Instance, if Milestone is an intervention or event, or date of Milestone if Milestone is a finding.
SMENDTC End Date/Time of Milestone Char ISO 8601 Timing End date/time of Disease Milestone Instance.
SMSTDY Study Day of Start of Milestone Num Timing Study day of start of Disease Milestone Instance, relative to the sponsor-defined RFSTDTC.
SMENDY Study Day of End of Milestone Num Timing Study day of end of Disease Milestone Instance, relative to the sponsor-defined RFSTDTC.

2.2.11 Subject Repro Stages

Subject Repro Stages (not for use with human clinical trials; see Table 2.2.11.1) describes the actual order of Repro Stages experienced by the subject, together with the start date or start date and time and end date/time for each Repro Stage. The planned Repro Stages are described in the Trial Design Model (see Section 3.1.5, Trial Repro Stages). Because actual data does not always follow the plan, the SDTM allows for descriptions of an unplanned Repro Stage for subjects (SJUPDES).

Table 2.2.11.1 Subject Repro Stages—One Record per Actual Repro Stage per Subject

Variable Name Variable Label Type Format Role Description
STUDYID Study Identifier Char Identifier Unique identifier for a study.
DOMAIN Domain Abbreviation Char Identifier 2-character abbreviation for the domain, which must be "SJ".
USUBJID Unique Subject Identifier Char Identifier Identifier used to uniquely identify a subject across all studies for all applications or submissions involving the product.
SJSEQ Sequence Number Num Identifier Sequence number to ensure uniqueness within the dataset. Should be assigned to be in a consistent chronological order.
RSTGCD Repro Stage Code Char Topic Short name of the Repro Stage used for programming and sorting. Maximum 8 characters.
RSTAGE Description of Repro Stage Char Synonym Qualifier of RSTGCD The name of the Repro Stage. If RSTGCD has a value of "UNPLAN" then RSTAGE should be null.
SJSTDTC Start Date/Time of Repro Stage Char ISO 8601 Timing Start date or start date and time for a Repro Stage for each subject.
SJENDTC End Date/Time of Repro Stage Char ISO 8601 Timing End date/time for a Repro Stage for each subject.
RPHASE Repro Phase Char Timing Name of the reproductive phase with which this Repro Stage of the Repro Path is associated.
SJUPDES Description of Unplanned Repro Stage Char Synonym Qualifier of RSTGCD Description of what happened to the subject during an unplanned Repro Stage. Used only if RSTGCD has the value of "UNPLAN".

2.2.12 Domain-Specific Variables for the General Observation Classes

The concept of domain-specific variables was first introduced in SDTM v1.5. These variables are for use only in a specific domain and will be identified in the appropriate implementation guide. The variable names include the specific domain prefix. Table 2.2.12.1 lists the proposed domain-specific variables.

Table 2.2.12.1 Domain-Specific Variables for General Observation Class Domains

Observation Class Domain Variable Name Variable Label Type Role Description Position
Events MH MHEVDTYP Medical History Event Date Type Char Variable Qualifier of MHSTDTC and/or MHENDTC Specifies the aspect of the medical condition or event by which MHSTDTC and/or the MHENDTC is defined. Examples: "DIAGNOSIS", "SYMPTOMS", "RELAPSE", "INFECTION". After MHDECOD
Interventions EX EXMETHOD Method of Administration Char Record Qualifier Method of administration of the treatment. Not to be used with human clinical trials. After EXLOC
Findings EG EGBEATNO ECG Beat Number Num Variable Qualifier of EGORRES A sequence number that identifies the beat within an ECG. After EGPOS
Findings IC ICIMPLBL Implantation Site Label Char Record Qualifier Label or identifier that describes the location or position of a fetal implantation site in the uterus (or uterine horn) when classifying implantations during a uterine examination in a reproductive toxicology study. Not to be used with human clinical trials. After ICSTRESC
Findings MS MSAGENT Agent Name Char Record Qualifier The name of the drug or other material for which resistance is tested. The agent may be used for in vitro testing or may be used in tests for genetic markers or in direct phenotypic drug-sensitivity testing. After MSTEST
Findings MS MSCONC Agent Concentration Num Variable Qualifier of MSAGENT The amount of drug or other material listed in MSAGENT per unit volume or weight. Used when the agent is part of the pre-specified test. Not to be used when the concentration is a result of a test such as minimal inhibitory concentration, IC50, or EC50. After MSAGENT
Findings MS MSCONCU Agent Concentration Units Char Variable Qualifier of MSCONC Unit of measure for MSCONC. After MSCONC

3 The Trial Design Model

The Trial Design Model defines a standard structure for representing the planned sequence of activities and the treatment plan for the trial. The model provides a standard way to define the treatment groups and planned visits and assessments that will be experienced by trial subjects.

The model is built upon the concepts of Elements, Arms, Epochs, and Visits. The variables corresponding to these concepts are used in many domains. The implementation guides define specific details and examples for Trial Design.

3.1 Planned Elements, Arms, Visits, Sets, Repro Stages, and Repro Paths

Under the model, planned information is presented in a series of up to 6 tables:

  • Trial Elements describes the Element code (unique for each Element), the Element description, and the rules for starting and ending an Element.
  • Trial Arms describes each planned Arm in the trial. An Arm is an ordered sequence of Elements; and the same Element may occur more than once in a given Arm. In order to accommodate complex Trial Designs, this dataset allows for rules for branching from one Element to another when a choice is available, and a rule for transitions to allow a subject to skip ahead to another Element rather than proceed linearly.
  • Trial Visits describes the planned order and number of visits in the study. In the case where visits vary for each Arm, there would be a separate record per Visit per Arm. Trial Visits also describes the allowable or planned values for VISIT, VISITNUM, and VISITDY in the trial (which are subsequently used as Timing Variables for the collected study data), and rules for starting and ending each visit. In most blinded trials, the timing of visits is the same for all subjects in all Arms.
  • Trial Sets allows the submission of detailed information about planned groups of subjects that results as a combination of experimental factors of interest for a study (including experimental parameters, inherent characteristics, and sponsor-defined attributes). A Set may be a planned subdivision of a Trial Arm, or may comprise one or more Trial Arms. These datasets are essential to determining whether data comparisons are feasible across different studies.
  • Trial Repro Stages describes the unique Repro Stages in a study, with Repro Stage description, code (short name) and rules for start and end. Note: Not for use with human clinical trials.
  • Trial Repro Paths describes each planned Repro Path in a Repro study, with the ordered sequence of Repro Stages that comprise each Repro Path, as well as specification of Repro Phase and reference start day of the Repro Phase applicable to the Repro Stage within the Repro Path. Note: Not for use with human clinical trials.

3.1.1 Trial Elements

Trial Elements describes the Element code (unique for each Element), the Element description, and the rules for starting and ending an Element (see Table 3.1.1.1).

Table 3.1.1.1 Trial Elements—One Record per Trial Element

Variable Name Variable Label Type Format Role Description
STUDYID Study Identifier Char Identifier Unique identifier for a study.
DOMAIN Domain Abbreviation Char Identifier 2-character abbreviation for the domain, which must be "TE".
ETCD Element Code Char Topic ETCD (the companion to ELEMENT) is limited to 8 characters and does not have special character restrictions. These values should be short for ease of use in programming, but it is not expected that ETCD will need to serve as a variable name.
ELEMENT Description of Element Char Synonym Qualifier of ETCD The name of the Element.
TESTRL Rule for Start of Element Char Rule Expresses the rule for beginning the Element.
TEENRL Rule for End of Element Char Rule Expresses the rule for ending the Element. Either TEENRL or TEDUR must be present for each Element.
TEDUR Planned Duration of Element Char ISO 8601 Timing Planned Duration of Element. Used when the rule for ending the Element is applied after a fixed duration.

3.1.2 Trial Arms

Trial Arms describes each planned Arm in the trial (see Table 3.1.2.1). An Arm is an ordered sequence of Elements; the same Element may occur more than once in a given Arm. In order to accommodate complex trial designs, this dataset allows for rules for branching from one Element to another when a choice is available, and a rule for transitions to allow a subject to skip ahead to another Element rather than proceed linearly.

Note that the same Element may occur more than once within an Arm, but each occurrence would have a different value for TAETORD and EPOCH, and may have different values for TABRANCH and TATRANS.

Table 3.1.2.1 Trial Arms—One Record per Planned Element per Arm

Variable Name Variable Label Type Role Description
STUDYID Study Identifier Char Identifier Unique identifier for a study.
DOMAIN Domain Abbreviation Char Identifier 2-character abbreviation for the domain, which must be "TA".
ARMCD Planned Arm Code Char Topic ARMCD is limited to 20 characters and does not have special character restrictions.
ARM Description of Planned Arm Char Synonym Qualifier of ARMCD Name given to Arm or treatment group.
TAETORD Planned Order of Element within Arm Num Timing Number that gives the order of the Element within the Arm.
ETCD Element Code Char Record Qualifier ETCD (the companion to ELEMENT) is limited to 8 characters and does not have special character restrictions. These values should be short for ease of use in programming, but it is not expected that ETCD will need to serve as a variable name.
ELEMENT Description of Element Char Synonym Qualifier of ETCD The name of the Element.
TABRANCH Branch Char Rule Condition subjects meet, at a "branch" in the Trial Design at the end of this Element, to be included in this Arm. Example: Randomization to DRUG X.
TATRANS Transition Rule Char Rule If the trial design allows a subject to transition to an Element other than the next Element in sequence, then the conditions for transitioning to those other Elements, and the alternative Element sequences, are specified in this rule (e.g., Responders go to washout).
EPOCH Epoch Char Timing Name of the Trial Epoch with which this Element of the Arm is associated.

3.1.3 Trial Visits

Trial Visits describes the planned order and number of visits in the study. In the case where visits vary for each Arm, there would be a separate record per Visit per Arm. Trial Visits also describes the allowable or planned values for VISIT, VISITNUM, and VISITDY in the trial (which are subsequently used as Timing Variables for the collected study data), and rules for starting and ending each visit (see Table 3.1.3.1). In most blinded trials, the timing of visits is the same for all subjects in all Arms.

Table 3.1.3.1 Trial Visits—One Record per Planned Trial Visit

Variable Name Variable Label Type Role Description
STUDYID Study Identifier Char Identifier Unique identifier for a study.
DOMAIN Domain Abbreviation Char Identifier 2-character abbreviation for the domain, which must be "TV".
VISITNUM Visit Number Num Topic Clinical encounter number. Numeric version of VISIT can be used for sorting.
VISIT Visit Name Char Synonym Qualifier of VISITNUM Protocol-defined description of the clinical encounter. May be used in addition to VISITNUM and/or VISITDY as a text description of the clinical encounter.
VISITDY Planned Study Day of Visit Num Timing Planned study day of VISIT. Due to its sequential nature can be used for sorting.
ARMCD Planned Arm Code Char Record Qualifier ARMCD is limited to 20 characters and does not have special character restrictions. If the timing of visits for a trial does not depend on which Arm a subject is in, then ARMCD should be null.
ARM Description of Planned Arm Char Synonym Qualifier of ARMCD Name given to Arm or treatment group.
TVSTRL Visit Start Rule Char Rule Rule describing when the visit starts, in relation to the sequence of Elements.
TVENRL Visit End Rule Char Rule Rule describing when the visit ends, in relation to the sequence of Elements.

3.1.4 Trial Sets

Trial Sets allows the submission of detailed information about planned groups of subjects that results as a combination of experimental factors of interest for a study (including experimental parameters, inherent characteristics, and sponsor-defined attributes; see Table 3.1.4.1). A Set may be a planned subdivision of a Trial Arm, or may comprise one or more Trial Arms. These datasets are essential to determining whether data comparisons are feasible across different studies.

Table 3.1.4.1 Trial Sets—One Record per Trial Set Parameter

Variable Name Variable Label Type Role Description
STUDYID Study Identifier Char Identifier Unique identifier for a study.
DOMAIN Domain Abbreviation Char Identifier 2-character abbreviation for the domain, which must be "TX".
SETCD Set Code Char Identifier Short name of a specific Trial Set, as defined by the sponsor. Maximum 8 characters. This represents the Trial Set for which parameters are being submitted.
SET Set Description Char Synonym Qualifier of SETCD Long description of a specific Trial Set, as defined by the sponsor.
TXSEQ Sequence Number Num Identifier Unique number for this record within this dataset.
TXPARMCD Trial Set Parameter Short Name Char Topic Short character value for the Trial Set parameter described in TXPARM. Maximum 8 characters.
TXPARM Trial Set Parameter Char Synonym Qualifier of TXPARMCD Term for the Trial Set parameter. Maximum 40 characters.
TXVAL Trial Set Parameter Value Char Result Qualifier Value of the Trial Set parameter (e.g., "Fed ad libitum" or "Restricted Feeding" when TXPARM is "FEEDREG"). Some parameters may be subject to controlled terminology.

3.1.5 Trial Repro Stages

Note: Not for use with human clinical trials.

Trial Repro Stages describes the unique Repro Stages in a study, with Repro Stage description, code (short name) and rules for start and end (see Table 3.1.5.1).

Table 3.1.5.1 Trial Repro Stages—One Record per Planned Repro Stage

Variable Name Variable Label Type Format Role Description
STUDYID Study Identifier Char Identifier Unique identifier for a study.
DOMAIN Domain Abbreviation Char Identifier 2-character abbreviation for the domain, which must be "TT".
RSTGCD Repro Stage Code Char Topic Short name of the Repro Stage used for programming and sorting. Maximum 8 characters.
RSTAGE Description of Repro Stage Char Synonym Qualifier of RSTGCD The name of the Repro Stage.
TTSTRL Rule for Start of Repro Stage Char Rule Expresses the rule for beginning the Repro Stage.
TTENRL Rule for End of Repro Stage Char Rule Expresses the rule for ending the Repro Stage. Either TTENRL or TTDUR must be present for each Repro Stage.
TTDUR Planned Duration of Repro Stage Char ISO 8601 Timing Planned Duration of Repro Stage. Used when the rule for ending the Repro Stage is applied after a fixed duration.

3.1.6 Trial Repro Paths

Note: Not for use with human clinical trials.

Trial Repro Paths describes each planned Repro Path in a Repro study, with the ordered sequence of Repro Stages that comprise each Repro Path, as well as specification of Repro Phase and reference start day of the Repro Phase applicable to the Repro Stage within the Repro Path (see Table 3.1.6.1).

Table 3.1.6.1 Trial Repro Paths—One Record per Planned Repro Stage per Repro Path

Variable Name Variable Label Type Role Description
STUDYID Study Identifier Char Identifier Unique identifier for a study.
DOMAIN Domain Abbreviation Char Identifier 2-character abbreviation for the domain, which must be "TP".
RPATHCD Planned Repro Path Code Char Topic Short name for the planned Repro Path. Limited to 20 characters. Should be populated in Demographics when Repro Paths have been defined in this domain.
RPATH Description of Planned Repro Path Char Synonym Qualifier of RPATHCD Name of the planned Repro Path.
TPSTGORD Order of Repro Stage within Repro Path Num Timing Number that gives the planned order of the Repro Stage within the Repro Path.
RSTGCD Repro Stage Code Char Topic Short name of the Repro Stage used for programming and sorting. Maximum 8 characters. The values of RSTGCD used in the Trial Paths dataset must match values for the same Repro Stage in the Trial Stages dataset.
RSTAGE Description of Repro Stage Char Synonym Qualifier of RSTGCD The name of the Repro Stage.
TPBRANCH Branch Char Rule Conditions subjects meet, occurring at the end of a Repro Stage, which cause a Repro Path to branch off from another Repro Path.
RPHASE Repro Phase Char Timing Name of the reproductive phase with which this Repro Stage of the Repro Path is associated.
RPRFDY Repro Phase Start Reference Day Num Timing Sponsor Protocol-defined first day of Repro Phase. Should be zero or 1.

3.2 Trial Inclusion/Exclusion Criteria

Trial Inclusion/Exclusion contains one record for each of the inclusion and exclusion criteria for the trial.

Table 3.2.1 Trial Inclusion/Exclusion—One Record per Trial Inclusion or Exclusion Criterion

Variable Name Variable Label Type Role Description
STUDYID Study Identifier Char Identifier Unique identifier for a study.
DOMAIN Domain Abbreviation Char Identifier 2-character abbreviation for the domain, which must be "TI".
IETESTCD Inclusion/Exclusion Criterion Short Name Char Topic Short name IETEST. It can be used as a column name when converting a dataset from a vertical to a horizontal format. The value in IETESTCD cannot be longer than 8 characters, nor can it start with a number (e.g., "1TEST"). IETESTCD cannot contain characters other than letters, numbers, or underscores. The prefix "IE" is used to ensure consistency with the IE domain.
IETEST Inclusion/Exclusion Criterion Char Synonym Qualifier of IETESTCD Full text of the inclusion or exclusion criterion. The prefix "IE" is used to ensure consistency with the IE domain.
IECAT Inclusion/Exclusion Category Char Grouping Qualifier Used for categorization of the Inclusion/Exclusion Criterion: "INCLUSION", "EXCLUSION".
IESCAT Inclusion/Exclusion Subcategory Char Grouping Qualifier A further categorization of the exception criterion. Can be used to distinguish criteria for a sub-study or for to categorize as a major or minor exceptions. Examples: "MAJOR", "MINOR".
TIRL Inclusion/Exclusion Criterion Rule Char Rule Rule that expresses the criterion in computer-executable form.
TIVERS Protocol Criteria Versions Char Record Qualifier The number of this version of the Inclusion/Exclusion criteria. May be omitted if there is only 1 version.

3.3 Trial Summary Information

Trial Summary Information contains one record for each trial summary characteristic. Trial Summary is used to record basic information about the trial (e.g., trial phase, protocol title, design objectives).

Table 3.3.1 Trial Summary—One Record per Trial Summary Parameter

Variable Name Variable Label Type Role Description
STUDYID Study Identifier Char Identifier Unique identifier for a study.
DOMAIN Domain Abbreviation Char Identifier 2-character abbreviation for the domain, which must be "TS".
TSSEQ Sequence Number Num Identifier Sequence number to ensure uniqueness within the dataset.
TSGRPID Group ID Char Identifier Used to tie together a group of related records.
TSPARMCD Trial Summary Parameter Short Name Char Topic TSPARMCD (the companion to TSPARM) is limited to 8 characters and does not have special character restrictions. These values should be short for ease of use in programming, but it is not expected that TSPARMCD will need to serve as variable names.
Examples: AGEMIN, AGEMAX.
TSPARM Trial Summary Parameter Char Synonym Qualifier of TSPARMCD Term for the Trial Summary Parameter. The value in TSPARM cannot be longer than 40 characters. Examples: Planned Minimum Age of Subjects, Planned Maximum Age of Subjects.
TSVAL Parameter Value Char Result Qualifier Value of TSPARM. Example: "ASTHMA" when TSPARM value is "Trial Indications". If TSVAL is null; a value is required for TSVALNF. Text over 200 characters can be added to additional columns TSVAL1-TSVALn.
TSVALNF Parameter Null Flavor Char Result Qualifier Null flavor for the value of TSVAL describing the reason the value is null, to be populated only if TSVAL is null.
TSVALCD Parameter Value Code Char Result Qualifier Code of the term in TSVAL from Reference Terminology cited in TSVCDREF.
TSVCDREF Name of the Reference Terminology Char Result Qualifier The name of the reference terminology or standard format from which TSVALCD is taken. Examples: CDISC, SNOMED, ISO8601.
TSVCDVER Version of the Reference Terminology Char Result Qualifier The version number of the Reference Terminology cited in TSVCDREF, if applicable.

3.4 Trial Disease Assessments

Trial Disease Assessments provides information on the planned protocol-specified disease assessment schedule (see Table 3.4.1). In oncology studies, compliance with the disease-assessment schedule is essential to reduce the risk of "assessment time bias". The TD domain makes possible an evaluation of assessment time bias from SDTM-based datasets by allowing comparison of the planned schedule of assessments against the actual occurrence of the efficacy assessments in order to determine the degree of compliance. TD has limited utility outside oncology (and indeed has limited utility within oncology studies). It was developed specifically with Response Evaluation Criteria in Solid Tumors (RECIST) in mind and, in particular, for studies with progression-free survival (PFS) endpoints where an assessment time bias analysis is appropriate.

Table 3.4.1 Trial Disease Assessments—One Record per Planned Constant Assessment Period

Variable Name Variable Label Type Format Role Description
STUDYID Study Identifier Char Identifier Unique identifier for a study.
DOMAIN Domain Abbreviation Char Identifier 2-character abbreviation for the domain, which must be "TD".
TDORDER Sequence of Planned Assessment Schedule Num Timing A number given to ensure ordinal sequencing of the planned assessment schedules within a trial.
TDANCVAR Anchor Variable Name Char Timing A reference to the date variable name that provides the start point from which the planned disease assessment schedule is measured. This must be referenced from the ADaM ADSL dataset (e.g., ANCH1DT). Note: TDANCVAR is to contain the name of a reference date variable name.
TDSTOFF Offset from the Anchor Char ISO 8601 Timing A fixed offset from the date provided by the variable referenced in TDANCVAR. This is used when the timing of planned cycles does not start on the exact day referenced in the variable indicated in TDANCVAR. The value of this variable will be either zero or a positive value.
TDTGTPAI Planned Assessment Interval Char ISO 8601 Timing The planned interval between disease assessments.
TDMINPAI Planned Assessment Interval Minimum Char ISO 8601 Timing The lower limit of the allowed range for the planned interval between disease assessments.
TDMAXPAI Planned Assessment Interval Maximum Char ISO 8601 Timing The upper limit of the allowed range for the planned interval between disease assessments.
TDNUMRPT Maximum Number of Actual Assessments Num Record Qualifier This variable must represent the maximum number of actual assessments for the analysis that this disease assessment schedule describes. In a trial where the maximum number of assessments is not defined explicitly in the protocol (e.g., assessments occur until death) TDNUMRPT should represent the maximum number of disease assessments that support the efficacy analysis, encountered by any subject across the trial at that point in time.

3.5 Trial Disease Milestones

Trial Disease Milestones is used to describe observations or activities expected to occur in the course of the disease under study, the timing of which is of interest for the study.

Table 3.5.1 Trial Disease Milestones—One Record per Disease Milestone Type

Variable Name Variable Label Type Role Description
STUDYID Study Identifier Char Identifier Unique identifier for a study.
DOMAIN Domain Char Identifier 2-character abbreviation for the domain, which must be "TM".
MIDSTYPE Disease Milestone Type Char Topic The type of Disease Milestone. Example: "HYPOGLYCEMIC EVENT".
TMDEF Disease Milestone Definition Char Rule Definition of the Disease Milestone.
TMRPT Disease Milestone Repetition Indicator Char Record Qualifier Indicates whether this is a Disease Milestone that can occur only once ("N") or a type of Disease Milestone that can occur multiple times ("Y").

4 Representing Relationships Among Datasets and Records

There are many occasions when it is necessary or desirable to represent relationships among datasets or records. The SDTM identifies 8 distinct types of relationships:

  • A relationship between a group of records for a given subject within the same dataset.
  • A relationship between independent records (usually in separate datasets) for a subject, such as a concomitant medication taken to treat an adverse event.
  • A relationship between 2 (or more) datasets where records of 1 (or more) dataset(s) are related to record(s) in another dataset (or datasets).
  • A dependent relationship where data that cannot be represented by a standard variable within a general-observation class dataset record (or records) can be related back to that record.
  • A dependent relationship between a comment in the Comments domain and a parent record (or records) in other datasets, such as a comment recorded in association with an adverse event.
  • A relationship between a subject and a pool of subjects.
  • A relationship between a subject and associated person(s). See Section 6.2, Associated Persons Relationships.
  • A relationship between subjects in a study other than membership in a pool.

The implementation guides define specific details and examples for each of these relationships.

4.1 Datasets for Representing Relationships

Table 4.1.1.1 RELREC Dataset

Variable Name Variable Label Type Role Description
STUDYID Study Identifier Char Identifier Study Identifier of the domain record(s).
RDOMAIN Related Domain Abbreviation Char Identifier 2-character abbreviation for the domain of the parent record(s).
USUBJID Unique Subject Identifier Char Identifier Identifier used to uniquely identify a subject across all studies for all applications or submissions involving the product.
APID Associated Persons Identifier Char Identifier Identifier for a single associated person, a group of associated persons, or a pool of associated persons. If APID identifies a pool, POOLDEF records must exist for each associated person (see Section 4.1.3, Pool Definition Dataset and Section 6.2, Associated Persons Relationships).
POOLID Pool Identifier Char Identifier Identifier used for pooling subjects to assign a single finding to multiple subjects.
IDVAR Identifying Variable Char Identifier Name of the identifying variable in the general-observation-class dataset that identifies the related record(s). Examples: –SEQ and –GRPID.
IDVARVAL Identifying Variable Value Char Identifier Value of identifying variable described in IDVAR. If –SEQ is the variable being used to describe this record, then the value of –SEQ is entered here.
RELTYPE Relationship Type Char Record Qualifier Identifies the hierarchical level of the records in the relationship. Values should be either ONE or MANY. However, values are only necessary when identifying a relationship between datasets.
RELID Relationship Identifier Char Record Qualifier RELID value should be unique within the ID variable (e.g., USUBJID, APID, POOLID, SPDEVID) that is the subject of the relationship. All records with this ID variable that have the same RELID are considered "related/associated." RELID can be any value the sponsor chooses, and is only meaningful within the RELREC dataset to identify the related/associated Domain records.

4.1.2 Supplemental Qualifiers (SUPP–) Dataset

Table 4.1.2.1 SUPPQUAL Dataset

Variable Name Variable Label Type Role Description
STUDYID Study Identifier Char Identifier Study Identifier of the parent record(s).
RDOMAIN Related Domain Abbreviation Char Identifier 2-character abbreviation for the domain of the parent record(s).
USUBJID Unique Subject Identifier Char Identifier Identifier used to uniquely identify a subject across all studies for all applications or submissions involving the product.
APID Associated Persons Identifier Char Identifier Identifier for a single associated person, a group of associated persons, or a pool of associated persons. If APID identifies a pool, POOLDEF records must exist for each associated person (see Section 4.1.3, Pool Definition Dataset and Section 6.2, Associated Persons Relationships.
POOLID Pool Identifier Char Identifier Identifier used for pooling subjects to assign a single finding to multiple subjects.
IDVAR Identifying Variable Char Identifier Identifying variable in the parent dataset that identifies the related record(s). Examples: –SEQ, –GRPID.
IDVARVAL Identifying Variable Value Char Identifier Value of identifying variable of the parent record(s).
QNAM Qualifier Variable Name Char Topic The short name of the Qualifier variable, which is used as a column name in a domain view with data from the parent domain. The value in QNAM cannot be longer than 8 characters, nor can it start with a number (e.g., "1TEST"). QNAM cannot contain characters other than letters, numbers, or underscores. This will often be the column name in the sponsor's operational dataset. QNAM should not be the name of any standard ADaM variable.
QLABEL Qualifier Variable Label Char Synonym Qualifier of QNAM This is the long name or label associated with QNAM. The value in QLABEL cannot be longer than 40 characters. This will often be the column label in the sponsor's original dataset.
QVAL Data Value Char Result Qualifier Result of, response to, or value associated with QNAM. A value for this column is required; no records can be in a SUPP– dataset with a null value for QVAL.
QORIG Origin Char Record Qualifier Because QVAL can represent a mixture of collected (on a CRF), derived, or assigned items, QORIG is used to indicate the origin of this data. Examples: CRF, ASSIGNED, DERIVED.
QEVAL Evaluator Char Record Qualifier Used only for results that are subjective (e.g., assigned by a person or a group). Should be null for records that contain objectively collected or derived data. Examples: "ADJUDICATION COMMITTEE", "STATISTICIAN", "DATABASE ADMINISTRATOR", "CLINICAL COORDINATOR".

4.1.3 Pool Definition Dataset

This dataset identifies individual subjects included in a pool of subjects for which a single observation record (pool level) is captured.

Table 4.1.3.1 POOLDEF Dataset

Variable Name Variable Label Type Role Description
STUDYID Study Identifier Char Identifier Study Identifier of the parent record(s).
POOLID Pool Identifier Char Identifier An identifier used to identify a result from a group of subjects that is not assignable to a specific subject.
USUBJID Unique Subject Identifier Char Identifier Identifier used to uniquely identify a subject across all studies for all applications or submissions involving the product.
APID Associated Persons Identifier Char Identifier Identifier for a single associated person, a group of associated persons, or a pool of associated persons.

Some studies include subjects who are related to each other, and in some cases it is important to record those relationships. Studies in which pregnant women are treated and both the mother and her child(ren) are study subjects are the most common case in which relationships between subjects are collected. There are also studies of genetically based diseases where subjects who are related to each other are enrolled, and the relationships between subjects are recorded.

Table 4.1.4.1 RELSUB Dataset

Variable Name Variable Label Type Role Description
STUDYID Study Identifier Char Identifier Unique identifier for a study.
USUBJID Unique Subject Identifier Char Identifier Identifier used to uniquely identify a subject across all studies for all applications or submissions involving the product. Either USUBJID or POOLID must be populated.
POOLID Pool Identifier Char Identifier Identifier used to identify a pool of subjects. If POOLID is entered, POOLDEF records must exist for each subject in the pool and USUBJID must be null. Either USUBJID or POOLID must be populated.
RSUBJID Related Subject or Pool Identifier Char Identifier Identifier used to identify a related subject or pool of subjects. RSUBJID will be populated with either the USUBJID of the related subject or the POOLID of the related pool.
SREL Subject Relationship Char Record Qualifier Describes the relationship of the subject identified in USUBJID or the pool identified in POOLID to the subject or pool identified in RSUBJID.

4.1.5 Device-Subject Relationships Dataset

The Device-Subject Relationships (DR) domain is a special-purpose domain that links each subject to the associated devices. Information in this domain may have been collected and submitted in other domains (e.g., Device Exposure, Device Tracking and Disposition, Device Events). This domain, however, provides a single, consistent location to find the relationship between a subject and a device, regardless of the device or the domain in which subject-related data may have been collected or submitted.

Table 4.1.5.1 Device-Subject Relationships Dataset

Variable Name Variable Label Type Role Description
STUDYID Study Identifier Char Identifier Study Identifier of the domain record(s).
DOMAIN Domain Abbreviation Char Identifier 2-character abbreviation for the domain, which must be "DR".
USUBJID Unique Subject Identifier Char Identifier Identifier used to uniquely identify a subject across all studies for all applications or submissions involving the product.
SPDEVID Sponsor Device Identifier Char Identifier Sponsor-defined identifier for the device. It must be unique for each tracked unit of the device under study, and can be at whatever level of granularity the device should be identified (e.g., model or serial number, combination of identifiers) as defined in DI.

5 Study References

There are occasions when it is necessary to establish study-specific identifiers that will be used in subject data. Two such situations have been identified thus far:

  • Identifiers for devices
  • Identifiers for non-host organisms

5.1 Datasets for Study References

5.1.1 Device Identifiers Dataset

The identity of a device is established by means of a number of parameters, then assigned an identifier. The parameters used for identification of a device depend on the kind of device and the needs of the study to distinguish among devices (see Table 5.1.1.1).

Table 5.1.1.1 Device Identifiers Dataset

Variable Name Variable Label Type Role Description
STUDYID Study Identifier Char Identifier Unique identifier for a study.
DOMAIN Domain Abbreviation Char Identifier 2-character abbreviation for the domain, which must be "DI".
SPDEVID Sponsor Device Identifier Char Identifier Sponsor-defined identifier for the device.
DISEQ Sequence Number Num Identifier Sequence number given to ensure uniqueness within a parameter within a device (SPDEVID).
DIPARMCD Device Identifier Element Short Name Char Topic Short name of the identifier characteristic of the device.
DIPARM Device Identifier Element Name Char Synonym Qualifier of DIPARMCD Name of the identifier characteristic of the device.
DIVAL Device Identifier Element Value Char Result Qualifier Value for the parameter.

5.1.2 Non-Host Organism Identifiers Dataset

The identity of a non-host organism is established by means of a number of taxa (categories used to classify living things), then assigned an identifier. The taxa used for identification of a non-host organism depend on the kind of organism and the needs of the study to distinguish among organisms.

Table 5.1.2.1 Non-Host Organism Identifiers Dataset

Variable Name Variable Label Type Role Description
STUDYID Study Identifier Char Identifier Unique identifier for a study.
DOMAIN Domain Abbreviation Char Identifier 2-character abbreviation for the domain, which must be "OI".
NHOID Non-Host Organism Identifier Char Identifier Sponsor-defined identifier for a non-host organism.
OISEQ Sequence Number Num Identifier Sequence number given to ensure uniqueness within a parameter within an organism (NHOID).
OIPARMCD Non-Host Organism ID Element Short Name Char Topic Short name of the taxon being described.
OIPARM Non-Host Organism ID Element Name Char Synonym Qualifier of OIPARMCD Name of the taxon being described.
OIVAL Non-Host Organism ID Element Value Char Result Qualifier Value for the taxon in OIPARMCD/OIPARM for the organism identified by NHOID.

6 Applying Model Fundamentals to Associated Persons

6.1 Creating Associated Persons Domains

Associated Persons (AP) are persons other than study subjects who can be associated with a study, a particular study subject, or a device used in the study. AP domains are created using SDTM variables, with the application of specific AP rules, including:

  • Implementers creating AP domains will follow the AP assumptions for the Identifier variables.
  • AP will be the prefix for the domain and dataset name, and will identify the dataset as AP data.
  • APID will be required in all AP datasets, and will identify records in a data warehouse as AP data.

The SDTM AP Implementation Guide (SDTMIG-AP) provides implementation rules, advice, and examples. Unless an exception is described in the SDTMIG-AP, all other general assumptions about SDTM and SDTMIG variables and domains apply to AP data.

6.1.1 Variables Used in Associated Persons Data

Table 6.1.1.1 Associated Persons Data—Identifier Variables

Variable Name Variable Label Type Description
APID Associated Persons Identifier Char Identifier for a single associated person, a group of associated persons, or a pool of associated persons. If APID identifies a pool, POOLDEF records must exist for each associated person (see Section 4.1.3, Pool Definition Dataset and Section 6.2, Associated Persons Relationships.
RSUBJID Related Subject or Pool Identifier Char Identifier for a related subject or pool of subjects. RSUBJID may be populated with the USUBJID of the related subject or the POOLID of the related pool.
RSUBJID will be null for data about associated persons who are related to the study but not to any study subjects.
RDEVID Related Device Identifier Char Identifier for a related device. RDEVID will be populated with the SPDEVID of the related device.
SREL Subject, Device, or Study Relationship Char If RSUBJID is populated, describes the relationship of the associated person(s) identified in APID to the subject or pool identified in RSUBJID.
If RDEVID is populated, describes the relationship of the associated person(s) identified in APID to the subject or pool identified in RDEVID.
If RSUBJID and RDEVID are null, SREL describes the relationship of the associated person(s) identified in APID to the study identified in STUDYID.

6.2 Associated Persons Relationships

To justify collection of AP data, some sort of a relationship is necessary between the AP and a study, a subject, or a device. However, a single value in SREL is inadequate to describe relationships to multiple subjects or devices and/or multiple relationships to a single subject or device. In such cases, the value MULTIPLE should appear in SREL. MULTIPLE may also appear in RSUBJID to describe relationships with multiple subjects. When other SDTM variables are populated with MULTIPLE, the multiple values are stored in Supplemental Qualifiers.

However, this approach has been found to be an indirect and cumbersome way to handle multiple AP-subject relationships. In addition, when there is AP data in multiple domains, the Supplemental Qualifier approach would require the same set of Supplemental Qualifiers to be repeated for each domain. The APRELSUB dataset, which parallels the structure of the RELSUB dataset, was created as a more efficient and simpler way to record these multiple relationships. The APRELSUB dataset is required for studies in which SREL values of MULTIPLE appear, but would not be needed if each AP has only one relationship to a study, a subject, or a device.

Table 6.2.1 APRELSUB Dataset

Variable Name Variable Label Type Role Description
STUDYID Study Identifier Char Identifier Unique identifier for a study.
APID Associated Persons Identifier Char Identifier Identifier for a single associated person, a group of associated persons, or a pool of associated persons. If APID identifies a pool, POOLDEF records must exist for each associated person (see Section 4.1.3, Pool Definition Dataset and Section 6.2, Associated Persons Relationships.
RSUBJID Related Subject or Pool Identifier Char Identifier Identifier for a related subject or pool of subjects. RSUBJID may be populated with the USUBJID of the related subject or the POOLID of the related pool.
RSUBJID will be null for data about associated persons who are related to the study but not to any study subjects.
RDEVID Related Device Identifier Char Identifier Identifier for a related device. RDEVID will be populated with the SPDEVID of the related device.
SREL Subject, Device, or Study Relationship Char Record Qualifier If RSUBJID is populated, describes the relationship of the associated person(s) identified in APID to the subject or pool identified in RSUBJID.
If RDEVID is populated, describes the relationship of the associated person(s) identified in APID to the subject or pool identified in RDEVID.
If RSUBJID and RDEVID are null, SREL describes the relationship of the associated person(s) identified in APID to the study identified in STUDYID.

7 Using the Model for Regulatory Submissions

The SDTM has been designed to accommodate the broadest range of human and animal study data in a standardized manner. This document describes the basic concepts and general structure of the model. Individual implementation guides have been created to provide specific recommendations for numerous domains of data commonly collected in human, animal, and medical device studies, identifying which variables from a general observation class may apply. These implementation guides also describe basic assumptions and business rules, and provide numerous examples for mapping data to the standard format. Sponsor wishing to submit data in the standard formats should first consult the implementation guides before preparing a regulatory submission based on the SDTM. In addition to the implementation guides, multiple indication-specific therapeutic area user guides (TAUGs) provide examples and implementation advice for various therapeutic areas. The following implementation guides have been published by CDISC:

  • The Study Data Tabulation Model Implementation Guide for Human Clinical Trials (SDTMIG)
  • The Standard for Exchange of Non-Clinical Data Implementation Guide (SENDIG)
  • The Study Data Tabulation Model Implementation Guide for Medical Devices (SDTMIG-MD)
  • The Study Data Tabulation Model Associated Persons Implementation Guide (SDTMIG-AP)
  • The Study Data Tabulation Model Pharmacogenomics/Genetics (SDTMIG-PGx)
  • The Standard for Exchange of Non-Clinical Data Implementation Guide-Developmental and Reproductive Toxicology (SENDIG-DART)

8 SDTM Version History

8.1 Changes From SDTM v1.6 to SDTM v1.7

8.1.1 Variable, Dataset, and Section Changes and Additions

Added the Role column to the Trial Design Datasets and Relationship Datasets.

Clarified the roles for the Special Purpose Datasets.

Variable Additions:

  • Table 2.2.1.1 Interventions—Topic and Qualifier Variables
  • –RSDISC - Reason for Treatment Discontinuation
  • Table 2.2.6.1 Subject Demographics Domain Variables
  • ARMNRS - Reason Arm and/or Actual Arm is Null
  • ACTARMUD - Description of Unplanned Actual Arm
  • Table 2.2.7.1 Comments Domain Variables
  • COEVALID - Evaluator Identifier
  • CODY - Study Day of Comment
  • Table 2.2.12.1 Domain-Specific Variables for General Observation Class Domains
  • MHEVDTYP - Medical History Event Date Type
  • MSAGENT - Agent Name
  • MSCONC - Agent Concentration
  • MSCONCU - Agent Concentration Units

Dataset Additions:

  • Table 4.1.5.1 Device-Subject Relationships Dataset
  • Table 5.1.1.1 Device Identifiers Dataset
  • Table 5.1.2.1 Non-Host Organism Identifiers Dataset

Appendices

Appendix A: Representations and Warranties, Limitations of Liability, and Disclaimers

CDISC Patent Disclaimers

It is possible that implementation of and compliance with this standard may require use of subject matter covered by patent rights. By publication of this standard, no position is taken with respect to the existence or validity of any claim or of any patent rights in connection therewith. CDISC, including the CDISC Board of Directors, shall not be responsible for identifying patent claims for which a license may be required in order to implement this standard or for conducting inquiries into the legal validity or scope of those patents or patent claims that are brought to its attention.

Representations and Warranties

"CDISC grants open public use of this User Guide (or Final Standards) under CDISC's copyright."

Each Participant in the development of this standard shall be deemed to represent, warrant, and covenant, at the time of a Contribution by such Participant (or by its Representative), that to the best of its knowledge and ability: (a) it holds or has the right to grant all relevant licenses to any of its Contributions in all jurisdictions or territories in which it holds relevant intellectual property rights; (b) there are no limits to the Participant's ability to make the grants, acknowledgments, and agreements herein; and © the Contribution does not subject any Contribution, Draft Standard, Final Standard, or implementations thereof, in whole or in part, to licensing obligations with additional restrictions or requirements inconsistent with those set forth in this Policy, or that would require any such Contribution, Final Standard, or implementation, in whole or in part, to be either: (i) disclosed or distributed in source code form; (ii) licensed for the purpose of making derivative works (other than as set forth in Section 4.2 of the CDISC Intellectual Property Policy ("the Policy")); or (iii) distributed at no charge, except as set forth in Sections 3, 5.1, and 4.2 of the Policy. If a Participant has knowledge that a Contribution made by any Participant or any other party may subject any Contribution, Draft Standard, Final Standard, or implementation, in whole or in part, to one or more of the licensing obligations listed in Section 9.3, such Participant shall give prompt notice of the same to the CDISC President who shall promptly notify all Participants.

No Other Warranties/Disclaimers. ALL PARTICIPANTS ACKNOWLEDGE THAT, EXCEPT AS PROVIDED UNDER SECTION 9.3 OF THE CDISC INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY POLICY, ALL DRAFT STANDARDS AND FINAL STANDARDS, AND ALL CONTRIBUTIONS TO FINAL STANDARDS AND DRAFT STANDARDS, ARE PROVIDED "AS IS" WITH NO WARRANTIES WHATSOEVER, WHETHER EXPRESS, IMPLIED, STATUTORY, OR OTHERWISE, AND THE PARTICIPANTS, REPRESENTATIVES, THE CDISC PRESIDENT, THE CDISC BOARD OF DIRECTORS, AND CDISC EXPRESSLY DISCLAIM ANY WARRANTY OF MERCHANTABILITY, NONINFRINGEMENT, FITNESS FOR ANY PARTICULAR OR INTENDED PURPOSE, OR ANY OTHER WARRANTY OTHERWISE ARISING OUT OF ANY PROPOSAL, FINAL STANDARDS OR DRAFT STANDARDS, OR CONTRIBUTION.

Limitation of Liability

IN NO EVENT WILL CDISC OR ANY OF ITS CONSTITUENT PARTS (INCLUDING, BUT NOT LIMITED TO, THE CDISC BOARD OF DIRECTORS, THE CDISC PRESIDENT, CDISC STAFF, AND CDISC MEMBERS) BE LIABLE TO ANY OTHER PERSON OR ENTITY FOR ANY LOSS OF PROFITS, LOSS OF USE, DIRECT, INDIRECT, INCIDENTAL, CONSEQUENTIAL, OR SPECIAL DAMAGES, WHETHER UNDER CONTRACT, TORT, WARRANTY, OR OTHERWISE, ARISING IN ANY WAY OUT OF THIS POLICY OR ANY RELATED AGREEMENT, WHETHER OR NOT SUCH PARTY HAD ADVANCE NOTICE OF THE POSSIBILITY OF SUCH DAMAGES.

Note: The CDISC Intellectual Property Policy can be found at: http://www.cdisc.org/system/files/all/article/application/pdf/cdisc_20ip_20policy_final.pdf.

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