Closing a Study

A study closure is required on all expedited and full board human subject research studies. Protocols should be closed in iRIS when the study has been completed, or when the only remaining activity is analysis of unidentifiable data. The closure report updates the IRB on the conduct and an outcome of the study, any new information captured since the last CAR and informs the IRB of the final disposition of the study records and data. The PI is responsible for reporting the completion of the protocol to the IRB within 30 days. 

Do not file a study closure if:

  • Enrollment at the site is ongoing
  • Research related interventions, procedures and/ or follow-up is on-going
  • Biological specimens containing identifiers are being maintained in a repository 
  • Accessing identifiable data 
  • Data analysis involving the use of identifiable information is ongoing

Project Completion

When a study is completed, the PI or Research Team Member completes an amendment form in iRIS and choose “study closure” as the amendment type. A final report should include the following information:

  • Summary of study findings
  • Any unreported events, for example UPIRTSOs (if applicable)
  • Final enrollment numbers (including withdrawals and reason for withdrawal)
  • Any subject complaints
  • For sponsored studies, attach the sponsors notice to close the study with the IRB

The study is considered officially closed on the day the IRB analyst or IRB Chair/member signs off on the study closure amendment.

Record Retention:

All data, including all signed consent form documents, must be retained for a minimum of five (5) years past the completion of this research. Additional retention timelines may be required by contractual obligations, University of Louisville departments, HIPAA, FDA, or any other applicable regulatory agencies.  Review UofL's Record Retention Policy and instructions about how to transfer records to the archives. 

Reactivating IRB approval:

Under certain circumstances, the IRB will re-activate a research study previously closed. Please contact the HSPP office. Re-activation may be subject to an IRB review fee.