General guidelines

• Make sure all information is correct, current and aligns with ANZCTR data field definitions
• Trials sponsors are responsible for keeping trial records up to date
• Write in clear, coherent English
• Use sentence case (not ALL CAPS)
• Proofread for spelling and grammar before submitting

Formatting tips

Avoid copying and pasting formatted text (e.g. bullet points) from other applications – it may not work correctly in the ANZCTR system.

Instead of this…	Use this…
Bullet points (•)	Asterisk *, letters, or numbers
Accented characters (e.g. São)	Remove accents (e.g. Sao)
® or ™ symbols	Write out: "Registered Trademark" or "Trademark"
Greek symbols (α, ß, µ)	Write: "alpha", "beta", "micro"
Degree symbol (°)	Write: "degrees"
± symbol	Write: "+/-"
≥/≤ symbols	Write: "greater than or equal to" / "less than or equal to"
Superscript/subscript	Use plain text (e.g. ^2 or "squared")

Acronyms and abbreviations

• Spell out the full name the first time you use an acronym, followed by the acronym in brackets. For example, Australian New Zealand Clinical Trials Registry (ANZCTR)
• After that, you can use the acronym alone
• Avoid medical abbreviations – use plain language:
  
  • b.d. - twice daily
  • p.o. - orally
  • p.r.n. - as required