Services
Administrative | Behavioral | Biostatistics| Body Composition| Core Laboratories | Informatics | Nutrition Research | Research Nursing | Research Subject Advocate | Educational Programs
Because it is funded by the National Institutes of Health, the General Clinical Research Center at Children's Hospital Medical Center of Cincinnati provides not only the highest-quality research environment, but also more cost-effective services than other clinical research facilities in the community. These services include:
Program Administration
The staff guides investigators in protocol design and implementation and the research study approval process. It also offers assistance with managing grants and finances.
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Behavioral Core Services
Through the GCRC, CHMC researchers are able to apply for the following Behavioral Core services:
- Execution of various behavioral measurement techniques/instruments
- Consultation in design of research with behavioral dimensions
- Preparation of behavioral sections of grant applications
- Consultation on data management and analytic strategies suitable for behavioral data
- Assistance in preparation of manuscripts describing behavioral outcomes
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Biostatistics Core
The GCRC biostatistician consults with investigators on and reviews protocols for statistical design. The Biostatistical Core also offers access to statistical software and assistance with data management and analysis.
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Body Composition Core
The Body Composition Core provides access to imaging techniques using Dual Energy X-ray Absorptiometry (DXA) and Peripheral Quantitative Computed Tomography (pQCT).
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Core Laboratory Services
The General Clinical Research Center provides investigator access to Core Laboratory services, divided into two subdivisions that provide different services:
- The Biochemistry Core provides clinical and research assays for the study of mineral and bone metabolism disorders and various assays by arrangement with investigators.
- The Sample Processing Laboratory provides processing and storage for specimens collected in the GCRC.
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Informatics Core
The GCRC Informatics Core provides data management consultations.
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Nutrition Research Services
The Nutrition Research Services staff helps investigators obtain quality data in these five areas
- Nutrition analysis of self-reported dietary intake, such as food intake records, 24-hour recalls and food frequency questionnaires.
- Development of study-specific menus for portion-controlled or nutrient-controlled food intake studies.
- Energy expenditure assessment via indirect calorimetry and/or physical activity questionnaires.
- Anthropometry
- Nutrition assessment and/or brief education for research study subjects.
Nutrition Research Services also provides education and training in the above areas to support research teams, as well as recommendations on data collection methods, tools and equipment. Forms and guidelines are available to make nutrition data collection easier for researchers.
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Research Nursing
The Research Nursing staff is trained for complex, detailed research observations and precise collection and storage of specimens. Each investigator has a primary nurse liaison, who trains the clinical staff for the research study and monitors the clinical outcomes.
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Research Subject Advocate
The Research Subject Advocate insures that protection of human subjects is accorded the highest priority for studies conducted on the GCRC.
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Additional Services
The research center also assists with pharmacokinetic studies, diagnostic testing, and acute care of patients with metabolic disorders who need a controlled environment. Help with expenses of patient transportation and parent lodging is available as needed.
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The General Clinical Research Center offers regular education and training opportunities.
For more information about the General Clinical Research Center at Children's Hospital Medical Center of Cincinnati, please contact Andrea Smith, 513-636-4273, andrea.smith@cchmc.org.
