Do The Size Of The Organization Guarantee Better Results?
Sometimes, precision delivers more value than scale
Large CROs are often chosen by default when it comes to outsourcing biometrics services.
They have global coverage, an extensive infrastructure, and broad service portfolios. But that does not necessarily make them the better fit, especially when what you need is accuracy, speed, and reliable data handling.
In this blog post, we explore what makes smaller biometrics partners worth considering, and why the right choice is not always the largest one.
Why rethink the standard choice?
It is easy to assume that a larger CRO means better service, simply because of their global reach and company size.
However, when it comes to biometrics, where the focus is on data accuracy, compliance, and analytical expertise, a smaller partner may offer a much more tailored and effective solution.
Biometrics is one of the core functions in any clinical trial. If your data is not handled correctly, your trial risks delays, complications with regulatory authorities, or even rejection. A smaller CRO that specializes in biometrics can often offer more hands-on support, clearer communication, and better dedication to the specific needs of your study.
We have pointed out some areas where smaller CROs have the potential to offer a better clinical trial than others.
Why work with a smaller biometrics CRO?
In large organizations, communication often passes through several layers of project management before it reaches the right person.
With a specialized biometrics CRO, you avoid that issue. You speak directly with the people who are doing the work and those who know the ins and outs of your data and the requirements of your trial.
This means your questions are answered faster, technical discussions are more productive, and there is a stronger shared understanding of priorities from the beginning.
Being in the same or nearby time zones also helps reduce delays, making day-to-day collaboration smoother and more responsive.
Clinical trials rarely follow a straight path.
Changes to protocol, shifting regulatory guidance, or emerging safety data can all affect how your biometrics team needs to respond. A smaller CRO is often better equipped to handle these shifts, thanks to shorter internal decision chains and a more agile way of working.
Instead of the need to escalate requests or wait for approval across multiple departments, changes can be discussed and implemented within the same team that is already familiar with your project.
This ability to act quickly and pragmatically can prevent unnecessary delays and help you maintain calm in critical phases.
Biometrics is a highly specialized field.
A CRO dedicated solely to biometrics will have tools, processes, and templates tailored specifically to this work. Each step is optimized to meet quality and submission standards without rework.
Because these teams are dedicated to one area, they often have stronger internal consistency, more efficient validation workflows, and clearer documentation. This leads to outputs that are in complete alignment with sponsors needs.
Staff turnover or shifting teams can create confusion, especially in long trials or multi-study programmes.
With a smaller CRO, the team you start with is usually the team you continue with.
The people who built your eCRF and programmed the outputs are likely the ones finalizing your submission package.
This continuity avoids the handover gaps that often lead to duplicated work or overlooked details.
It builds familiarity, speeds up decision-making, and enhances a deeper working relationship where the CRO genuinely understands your way of working and your priorities.
Budget transparency is often an overlooked benefit.
Larger CROs may bundle services or include structural overheads unrelated to the specific work being done.
A specialized biometrics CRO focuses only on what you need – data collection, cleaning, analysis, and reporting without passing on the costs of unrelated departments or global facilities.
This focused approach allows smaller CROs to offer competitive pricing while still delivering high-quality, compliant outputs.
And because their teams are highly experienced, you often receive more value in terms of time saved, errors avoided, and support offered.
BioStata is your dedicated biometrics partner
At BioStata, we focus solely on biometrics.
That includes data management, biostatistics, programming, Data monitoring committees (DMCs) and submission services. We support sponsors across all phases with structured, reliable, and regulatory-compliant data handling.
Our clients value the clarity we bring to the table and the peace of mind that comes from knowing their data is in good hands.
Let us talk about your trial
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