Clinical trials are research studies where volunteers agree to receive and test new drugs or other treatments so that researchers can evaluate how well they work. Clinical trials are the key to find out if a new a new drug, diet or medical device, is safe and effective in people. Participants can also help measure results by reporting on how they feel and allowing researchers to conduct follow-up exams that might include blood tests or other testing. In order to start a clinical trial, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) must approve it to move forward. Researchers get the approval by perfomring laboratory tests and studies in animals to see how safe their medication or practice is.  If the test shows favorable results, the FDA gives approval for the treatment to be tested in humans, beginning with a small group of participants to test safety. FDA approval for testing in clinical trials, does not guaruntee FDA approval of the product, but ensures safety measures are being taken before receiving results.