IEC
Abbreviation with 2 meanings
| Stands for | Independent ethics committee |
|---|---|
| Meanings | 2 |
| Categories | Medical, Organizations & Companies |
IEC has two meanings. It stands for Independent ethics committee (medical research) or International Electrotechnical Commission (international organization).
Meanings of IEC at a glance
| # | IEC stands for | Context |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Independent ethics committee | Medical › Medical Research |
| 2 | International Electrotechnical Commission | Organizations & Companies › International Organization |
1. Independent ethics committee
Medical · Medical Research Abbreviations
Body that reviews clinical research to safeguard participants, the term used in ICH guidelines and many countries outside the United States for the role an institutional review board plays in the US. Local names vary, such as research ethics committee (REC) in the UK and human research ethics committee (HREC) in Australia.
Example: Protocol submitted to the IEC in each European country before the first patient is enrolled.
International trials obtain approval from an IRB or IEC for every participating site or country. In the European Union, the Clinical Trials Regulation coordinates ethics and regulatory review through a single portal. The core principles derive from the Declaration of Helsinki, first adopted by the World Medical Association in 1964.
2. International Electrotechnical Commission
Organizations & Companies · International Organization Abbreviations
Standards organization based in Geneva that prepares international standards for electrical, electronic and related technologies, from plugs and batteries to safety testing and smart grids.
Example: The power cord uses the IEC 60320 C13 connector common on computers.
Founded in 1906, it predates ISO, with which it shares a joint technical committee on information technology. Its standards cover areas such as electrical safety, degrees of protection against dust and water (IP ratings) and renewable energy equipment. National bodies represent each member country.
Related abbreviations
More medical research abbreviations
- ICER – Incremental cost-effectiveness ratio
- ICF – Informed consent form
- ICH – International Council for Harmonisation
- IDE – Investigational device exemption
- IIT – Investigator-initiated trial
- IQR – Interquartile range
- IRB – Institutional review board
- ITT – Intention-to-treat
See all 94 medical research abbreviations →
More international organization abbreviations
- ICRC – International Committee of the Red Cross
- IDA – International Development Association
- IDB – Inter-American Development Bank
- IEA – International Energy Agency
- IFAD – International Fund for Agricultural Development
- IFC – International Finance Corporation
- IFRC – International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies
- ILO – International Labour Organization
See all 108 international organization abbreviations →
This entry is for general education and is not medical advice. Abbreviation use varies between institutions; always confirm in context.