​Performing statistical tests of baseline characteristics is not usually advised for individually randomised trials. Should they be used for trials where participants are randomised in clusters?

In the design of clinical trials, the most important techniques used for reducing bias are randomisation and blinding. Randomisation introduces an element of chance to the assignment of interventions, ensuring a sound basis for any treatment differences found. The aim of blinding is to limit the occurrence of intentional and unintentional bias in the conduct and interpretation of the trial results.

The risk of such bias is present when knowledge of treatment assignments influences the recruitment and allocation of individuals to interventions. In individually randomised trials, even when blinding is not possible, randomisation is used and relied on to prevent allocation bias. Statistical testing of baseline measures between treatment groups is usually frowned on. The argument is that any apparent differences observed can only be due to …