Database lock
In Data & data management
Also known as: DB lock, data lock
Database lock is the point at which a trial's data is declared final and further changes are prevented. It happens after all queries are resolved, coding is complete, and the required reconciliations and reviews are signed off. Locking before unblinding is what stops knowledge of the results from influencing the data.
Why it matters
Unlocking a locked database is possible but heavily documented and scrutinised, so teams treat lock as a genuine deadline.
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