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Quick Help
GCRC at the UW Medical Center
Thuhong Coutermarsh
Patient Care Coordinator

(206) 598-4730
thuhong@u.washington.edu

During Your Stay at the General Clinical Research Center

Now that you've agreed to participate in a clinical trial, here are a few things you need to know about the GCRC:

Please read "What to Expect" before you come in.

Parking

Please see our Maps & Directions page.

Meals

Fasting procedures If you are on a study that requires fasting, be sure to ask your study coordinator whether this means no food and no water, or no food only, water is permitted. If you are allowed to drink water or other non-caloric beverages, you are strongly encouraged to do so before your arrival for your study. You will feel much better and your veins will be much "fuller" and easier to access for your blood draws. If you are here for a fasting study procedure, a snack or meal will be provided during your stay.

Dietary restrictions Some dietary restrictions may apply, depending on the study. Your study coordinator will inform you, and you may also ask your nurse. If you have any special dietary needs unrelated to the study, be sure to let the study coordinator know in advance. She can then inform the Clinical Research Center, and we can make sure you are provided with food that you can eat.

Options Milk, juice, coffee, tea and light snacks are also available on the GCRC. Additional items may be purchased at the Plaza Cafe (1st floor), the Espresso stand (3rd floor), or the gift shop (3rd floor).

Rooms

At the GCRC, rooms have TV with cable and Medical Center education channels and ports for internet access. If you are the parent of a child coming to the GCRC, you may stay overnight with your child, or you may just visit during the day or evening if you prefer. Let the study coordinator know your wishes in advance, so that we can make appropriate arrangements. Visiting hours, other than for overnight parenting, are from 9 AM until 9 PM.

Personal Belongings

Plan to wear comfortable clothing if you will be at the GCRC for any length of time. You may also bring a favorite pillow or blanket, reading material, homework or office work. We suggest that you leave valuable jewelry or other items at home, and bring just enough cash for newspapers or other personal items you may wish to purchase at the gift shop or cafe.

Overnight Stays (Inpatient Admission)

If you have been asked to stay overnight, please stop by the Admitting Office before you come up to the GCRC. The Admitting Office is on your left as you come in the main entrance on N.E. Pacific St. At the Admitting Office, they will give you a few short forms to complete. Please bring the paperwork upstairs to our Patient Care Coordinator, who will check you in and answer any questions you may have.

No Smoking

University of Washington Medical Center is a non-smoking facility. There are outdoor covered smoking areas available for smokers.

top | Site Credits NCRR Funded under NCRR Grant M01-RR-00037 Updated: 03/02/2006 11:00 AM
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