historical control

A control group that is chosen from a group of patients who were observed at some time in the past or for whom data are available through records. Historical controls are used for comparison with subjects being treated or assessed concurrently

historical control

Epidemiology A control group that is chosen from a group of patients who were observed at some time in the past or for whom data are available through records; HCs are used for comparison with subjects being treated concurrently. See Control.