epoch

epoch

In clinical trials, the interval of time in the planned conduct of a study—the term epoch is intended to replace period, cycle, phase, stage and other temporal terms. An epoch is associated with a purpose (e.g., screening, randomisation, treatment, follow-up), and applies across all arms of the study.

epoch

(ĕp′ŏk)

A measurable amount of time; e.g., the length of time used in standardized sleep studies (usually 30 sec to 1 min), or the duration of a particular geological or biological event, as indicated in earth sciences.