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In a clinical trial, indirect costs are expenses not directly attributable to a specific study, but are necessary for the overall administration and functioning of the research project. IT support services are a prime example of an indirect cost because they maintain the infrastructure, software, and technical support required to manage data and systems used throughout the trial. These costs do not directly correlate with any single trial activity but support the trial globally.

On the other hand, expenses like tests and procedures that generate bills, subject travel reimbursements, and archiving records are considered direct costs. Tests and procedures directly relate to patient care and involvement in the trial, while subject travel reimbursements cover direct out-of-pocket costs incurred by participants. Archiving records, although somewhat administrative, is often linked to the specific trial in which the data were produced, thus categorizing it as a direct cost as well.