Data Protection And Privacy

(201) 331-9300

Published by our sponsorsSee case studies

Mineral sunscreen whitening study, NCT05565625 ↗

Skin hydration and health study ↗

18-week hyperpigmentation study, NCT07136766 ↗

12-week eye cream study, NCT05807620 ↗

Panelist answering a study questionnaire in Datacapt on a phone

HIPAA and FDA 21 CFR Part 11 Compliant Clinical Studies

At VCS we realize that your confidential product information is critically important to your continued success in business.

Our storage systems are cloud based and require a designated username along with 2 factor authentication. Passwords are rotated automatically on a 60 day period, and have a minimum of 10 characters with multiple character complexity requirements.

User access is limited on a “least information required” level, and respective business departments are only able to access the secure areas that are required by their station.

2 Factor Protected Clinical Testing (PHI) Database

VCS utilizes Datacapt as its designated system for PHI and panelist data as a result of its validated and proven track record.

Datacapt provides us a means of tracking our panelists with a photographic database along with various medical and social history functions.

At VCS we believe that the key to a successful study starts with recruiting the right people with the right parameters for the research. We collect over 100 unique attributes with all panelists and take photos from multiple angles, allowing for unrivaled documentation of underlying conditions.

Redundancy Is Key, And Claim Support Backups Are Critically Important

All data centers are secured and backups occur in real time via our third party IT Security, as well as Amazon AWS. Data is stored in multiple facilities and secured via Blockchain encryption.

Data at rest is secured via 128 bit encryption, and data in transit is secured via SSL and secondary transmission security layers when applicable.

Security In Anti Aging Testing Data At A Geographic Level

Data centers are geographically distant and diverse, and an outage of one or more data centers would have no direct bearing on our ability to operate. In the event of a data breach, sponsors would be notified immediately, but due to secondary encryption external access does not actually mean that there is direct protected/confidential information compromise.

Encryption Of Consumer Product Testing Data

All client facing emails are encrypted with the latest SSL protocol and secured. For targeted communications, VCS employees’ secondary encryption keys can be requested at any time.

Data at rest is encrypted on all company devices, and data in transit is all SSL secured.

VCS is also comfortable reviewing and implementing sponsor specific communications for transmission of confidential information, including but not limited to proxies, FTP uploads, and third party secure transfer services.

VCS staff entering study data on a tablet

VCS clinical photography studio with a technician setting up the camera rig

Secure Delivery Of Clinically Supported Data

Final reports are delivered via SSL protected email transmission, and clinical images are delivered via secure link digital transfer and/or password protected USB drive. We understand that different companies have alternative SOPs and standards in place, and our commitment is to make the process as easy as possible while protecting your data and our reputation.

IRS Compliant Payments for Ethical, Transparent Skincare Clinical Studies

At VCS we do not implement traditional cash or check payments. All payouts are handled by electronic transfer to controlled, reloadable debit cards via Greenphire ClinCard by Suvoda. This allows us to document each individual payment, and automatically document 1099/Research Income for all subjects and study respondents.

Cash is always a security risk, and eliminating it from the business from the start has allowed us to be more transparent and more efficient in a number of ways.

Expert Clinical Grading

Trained graders score visible change

Supports claims like “Clinically proven to reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles”

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Biomarkers and Microbiome

Tape strips, swabs and collections

Supports claims like “Microbiome friendly” and “Won’t disrupt the skin’s natural microbiome”

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Biophysical Instrumentation

Hydration, TEWL, elasticity, color

Supports claims like “Hydrates by up to 87% in as little as one use”

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Peer-Reviewed Writing

Clinical and scientific publications

Scientifically validated study summaries for publication in peer-reviewed medical journals

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Before and After Photography

Controlled, reproducible clinical imaging

Supports claims like “Up to a 44% reduction in redness in as little as 2 weeks”

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Consumer Perception

Panelist questionnaires and self-assessment

Supports claims such as “97% of women agreed their skin felt smoother and more supple”

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About Validated Claim Support

Validated Claim Support’s experienced clinical testing team has pooled their vast claim support knowledge in the skincare trials and cosmetic product efficacy space to develop a unique and highly personalized strategy. We provide a distinctive service category that is particularly hard to find: highly personalized efficient service and accountability at an affordable price.

Meet the Clinical ExpertsThe scientists and graders behind every studyLearn more →Quality Management in Claim SubstantiationHow we keep study data audit-readyLearn more →

Data Protection and PrivacyHow we protect sponsor and panelist dataYou are here

Testing Laboratory PartnersPartner labs for tests outside our scopeLearn more →Clinical Testing Laboratory TourInside our Teaneck, NJ facilityLearn more →Sample Handling and Environmental PolicyHow we receive, store and track samplesLearn more →Commitment to Diversity in the WorkplaceHow we build a diverse team and panelLearn more →Ethics & Code of ConductThe standards our team works byLearn more →

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Start a Conversation About Your Product Study

Tell us about your product, your intended claims, and your timeline. Our business development team will review your needs and follow up with a customized proposal, typically within one business day. There is no cost for the initial consultation or study design review.

Get a quote Call (201) 331-9300

FAQ

Data Protection and Privacy: frequently asked questions

Are Validated Claim Support studies HIPAA and 21 CFR Part 11 compliant?

Yes. Validated Claim Support runs HIPAA and FDA 21 CFR Part 11 compliant clinical studies. Its storage systems are cloud-based, require a designated username and two-factor authentication, and limit each department to the secure areas its role requires.

How is panelist and health data stored?

Validated Claim Support uses Datacapt as its designated system for protected health information and panelist data, chosen for its validated track record. It tracks panelists with a photographic database and medical and social history functions, recording over 100 unique attributes per panelist.

How is study data backed up and encrypted?

Backups run in real time through Validated Claim Support's third-party IT security provider and Amazon AWS, with data stored in multiple, geographically distant facilities. Data at rest uses 128-bit encryption, and data in transit is secured with SSL and secondary transmission security where applicable.

How are final reports and images delivered?

Validated Claim Support delivers final reports by SSL-protected email and clinical images by secure link digital transfer or password-protected USB drive. VCS can also implement sponsor-specific methods for confidential information, such as proxies, FTP uploads and third-party secure transfer services.

How are study participants paid?

Validated Claim Support does not use cash or check payments. All payouts go by electronic transfer to controlled, reloadable debit cards through Greenphire ClinCard by Suvoda, which documents each payment and automatically records 1099 research income for every subject.