Biomarkers full development

Nested case-control study A type of epidemiological research design which investigates the causal association between a risk factor and disease. Both case subjects (people who develop a disease) and control subjects (those who do not develop the disease) are selected from among a defined cohort in which the bio-sample or data of the individuals have been collected at the beginning of the study. Detailed exposure information, such as via the use of biomarkers, is analysed for cases and controls only, not for the entire cohort. The advantages of this design are that it is prospective and is less expensive than the full cohort approach. 

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