DCN Dx Speeds IVD Trial Execution with a Unified Clinical Platform

As a CRO dedicated exclusively to in vitro diagnostics (IVD), led by a team that ran IVD trials on the sponsor side, DCN Dx operates under fast-paced timelines. Respiratory studies, for example, typically start enrollment within one month and close within five. Managing high subject volumes at this speed requires operational agility, standardized workflows, and real-time data visibility.

When establishing its clinical research organization, DCN Dx operated under a clear directive from its CEO: select the best system from day one—a platform the company wouldn’t outgrow or need to replace. To support rapid growth and avoid the pitfalls of fragmented tools, DCN Dx partnered with Veeva to adopt a scalable clinical platform.

“My marching orders from the CEO were to pick the best system, not a system that we’re going to move to or move from over and over again. We want to start with the best and offer the best.” – Emily Friedland, VP of Clinical Research, DCN Dx

Eliminating data silos across rapidly growing studies

As DCN Dx expanded, managing multiple fast-moving trials exposed the limits of working across separate tools. Sponsors often collected data in Excel, and study communications and documents were logged on different platforms in different formats, creating process inconsistencies for clinical research associates (CRAs) working across different studies.

Additionally, silos between data management and clinical operations required manual data extracts, creating communication lags and risking reliance on outdated information. DCN Dx needed a single, connected platform to harmonize trial execution across its growing client base.

“Having a centralized hub and the familiarity that we have with Veeva has allowed us to move from small to large studies, while maintaining regulatory standards and a level of professionalism.” — Jill Hutton-Pugh, Clinical Trial Manager, DCN Dx

Connecting data and workflows across a single scalable platform

DCN Dx took a phased approach to building its digital infrastructure, allowing the organization to expand its capabilities without overwhelming internal resources. It started with Veeva eTMF for document control, brought Veeva EDC in-house for study builds, and added Veeva CTMS for full operational oversight.

Together, these applications create a connected ecosystem where data flows automatically:

• Automated data flow: Data entered into EDC populates CTMS reports in real time without custom APIs or manual extracts
• Reusable form libraries: Standardized eCRFs and edit checks streamline study setup and ensure variable consistency
• Harmonized workflows: Clinical trial managers (CTMs) and CRAs operate within a single, consistent environment for monitoring reports, deviations, and document tracking

“Using a suite of applications benefits all of our clients. For big clients, it shows we know what we’re doing. For small clients with two people on a bench, it blows them away with what they can see right away.” — Thomas Martinache, Associate Director of Data Management, DCN Dx

Accelerating study builds by 45% and cutting site prep time

Centralizing trial operations on Veeva delivered significant time savings and operational efficiencies across the study lifecycle:

• 45% faster EDC builds: Reusing form libraries cut build times by nearly half, with most study builds complete before first subject enrollment.
• 60% more efficient IMV prep: Real-time visibility into enrollment, deviations, and queries lets CRAs prepare for visits in a fraction of the time.
• 30% faster closeout: Automated tracking of expected documents and follow-up items keeps teams continuously audit-ready, shaving weeks off study closeout.

Less administration for CRAs, live visibility for sponsors

Connecting clinical operations with clinical data transforms daily trial execution and client interactions. The intuitive interface allows CRAs to perform source data verification, launch queries, and close out findings quickly. Interactive dashboards give data managers complete visibility into study health, while CRAs spend less time on administrative tasks and more time proactively managing sites.

Real-time reporting also strengthens sponsor relationships and builds trust. During client updates, DCN Dx shares live dashboards showing enrollment trends, TMF completeness, and site performance.