Services

Eligible investigators with Clinical Research Center (CRC) approved protocols have access to our on-site laboratory. CRC Clinical Laboratory personnel are specially trained to obtain and process blood samples and urine specimens for clinical transitional research. Many protocols require the acquisition, processing, and storage of blood and blood products (ie serum, plasma), and their packaging for delivery to off-site CLIA-approved laboratories for future analyses. The CRC also has the capability of short term storage of research specimens at -20° C or at -80° C.

The CRC Research Laboratory has a wide variety of laboratory equipment available for use with approved ongoing protocols (download a detailed list). Blood glucose analysis can be performed to provide real-time data for studies involving blood glucose levels and glucose metabolism. Urine specimens are also frequently obtained and tested for pregnancy status, hematuria, and pH levels.

It is CRC policy that all females of child-bearing age who are capable of becoming pregnant undergo urine pregnancy testing prior to DEXA and certain other clinical procedures. If required, twenty-four hour urine specimens are measured and aliquotted, and either stored on-site or packaged and sent off-site for further processing and analysis. CRC laboratory personnel also assist in the collection and storage of saliva samples and culture swabs.

Please contact laboratory specialist and Interim Operations Director Dr. Ruben Cuervo  (901.516.2212) for additional information about CRC laboratory services.