Clinical researchers have access to a host of core facilities with the capability of
sophisticated biomarker analysis on collected clinical samples. The following table presents
a selection of cores of particular interest for translational research. For a comprehensive
listing, please refer to the UW Office of Clinical Research's website for
Resource Centers and
Facilities.
| Core |
Description |
Analytical Assay Laboratory
Department of Anesthesiology
(206) 543-2470
website |
Support includes qualitative identification and quantification of endogenous compounds, as well as drug and metabolite concentrations in biological matrices. Provides complete assay development services, including mini- and full assay validation; routine drug analyses and assay development, and a customized organic synthesis service including stable isotope inclusion. The AAL also provides full analytical support for drugs unrelated to anesthesia practice. |
Analytical Cytology Laboratory
Center for Ecogenetics and Environmental Health
(206) 543-8458
website
|
Provides support to investigators requiring access to analytical cytology services such as flow cytometry, laser-cytometry-confocal microscopy and digital image analysis. Investigators using the Laboratory have access to an ACAS Ultima Laser Cytometer with state-of-the-art confocal laser microscope/image analysis designed for fluorescence analysis and adherent cell sorting. The Laboratory also houses a digital image analysis system for full color and densitometric sample analysis, as well as a high-speed cell sorter (MoFlo, DakoCytomation) that is capable of sorting up to 70,000 cells per second. |
Cell Analysis Facility
Department of Immunology
(206) 543-7006
website |
Provides a broad range of instrumentation and expertise for addressing experimental issues related to single cells. Supports flow cytometric and confocal instrumentation. Consultation is available for experimental design, technical assistance, distribution of raw data files over a network, provision of methods for archival storage, data analysis away from the acquisition computers, interpretation of results, facilities for the preparation and production of presentation graphics. Introduction to flow cytometry courses are available and individual instruction can be provided as needed. Instruction on confocal microscopy is also provided as needed.
In March 2005, the CAF finished a remodel to accommodate two new analyzers: a FACSCanto, a fully digital cytometer capable of six color detection; and an LSR II, with the capability to detect up to 13 colors simultaneously. |
Center for Expression Arrays
Department of Microbiology
(206) 732-6048
ceacore@u.washington.eduwebsite |
The CEA can assist in all steps following RNA isolation for microarray experiments with either the Agilent or Affymetrix platforms. These services include RNAqc, RNA amplification, target labeling into cRNA or cDNA, slide or chip hypbridization and washing, and slide or chip scanning. The CEA also offers training courses and consulting, as well as custom array spotting. |
DNA Sequencing and Gene Analysis Center
Department of Pharmaceutics
(206) 616-8718
website |
Provides high-quality, automated DNA sequencing technology on a cost-sharing basis. In addition to automated DNA sequencing, the Center also supports genotype analysis of drug metabolizing enzymes and drug transporters. The Center also offers Realtime PCR testing technology for SNP genotyping and quantitative RT-PCR analyses. |
DNA Sequencing Facility
Department of Biochemistry
(206) 616-7491
website |
Using an ABI 3730XL high-throughput capillary DNA Analyser, sample processing time is two to three business days. The Facility processes approximately 2000 samples a week and over 100,000 annually. |
Follow-up Interview Unit
NIAMS Multidisciplinary Clinical Research Center (MCRC)
Brook Martin
(206) 744-9889
bim@u.washington.edu
website
|
The follow-up interview unit provides a professional level of service to grant-funded research groups to support protocols requiring patient follow-up via telephone interview, e-mail or mail survey.
The unit is a self-supporting revenue center that charges research groups for the completion of follow-up interviews. It ensures that interview staff are appropriately trained, documents a high level of contact attempts, consistently mails research questionnaires (where appropriate), consistently updates contact information and preferences from study subjects, and ultimately achieves a high level of follow-up at a lower cost than most individual projects could achieve. The unit uses web-based data collection and monitoring tools to rapidly develop follow-up protocols, add new projects, and administer the follow-up service.
The cost per patient interview includes documented number of attempted follow-ups (typically at least 10 attempts), reporting, printing of survey materials, mailing of survey materials, data collection and entry, telephone, Ethernet, and administration charges associated with the unit. |
Gene and Cell Therapy Core Laboratory
General Clinical Research Center
(206) 598-7038
website |
One of the GCRC's core facilities. The GCTC supports clinical trials that require the genetic modification and/or ex vivo manipulation of patient tissues under current Good Manufacturing Practice (cGMP) conditions. A central feature of the laboratory is that it is located on the UW GCRC, facilitating the transfer of patient samples between the clinic and the laboratory. The staff of the laboratory assists investigators in preclinical stages of developing a cell or gene therapy by developing SOP, performing the pre-clinical runs that would add to an IND, and assist in filing of the IND itself. |
Investigational Drug Services
Department of Pharmacy Services
(206) 598-6054
uwmcids@u.washington.edu |
Assists investigators in carrying out clinical drug studies and using investigational medications. IDS services include: procuring and dispensing investigational drugs per study protocols and federal guidelines, protocol review and development, maintaining blinding and randomization records, maintaining drug accountability and dispensing records, return or disposal of unused or expired study drugs, patient monitoring, and patient education. |
Mass Spectrometry Center/Proteomics Facility
Department of Medicinal Chemistry
(206) 543-7794
website |
Offers services to the scientific community in contemporary mass spectrometric techniques and instrumentation. The Center provides services in the following areas: analysis of submitted samples; training on use of spectrometers and mass spectrometric techniques; and contracted development of separations methodologies and mass spectral protocols.
|
Molecular Imaging Center
Department of Radiology
Dr. Kenneth Krohn, Associate Program Head
(206) 598-6245
|
The Molecular Imaging Center offers specialized imaging services, research design, and consultation using an array of molecular imaging, PET and MR techniques. The center supports both human and rodent imaging. Resources include instrumentation and expertise for experimental design. The Center provides expert, state-of-the-art imaging technology and applications for studies in basic, translational and clinical research. Faculty and staff will assist investigators to find the best use of imaging for their studies. The Center is a resource for the Fred Hutchinson/UW Cancer Consortium. |
Pathology Resource Center
Department of Pathology
(206) 543-1140
website
|
Provides researchers access to services available within the Department of Pathology laboratories and front office. Services may be requested of the Department of Pathology's Histology, Flow Cytometry, Immunohistochemistry, Cytogenetics, Cytology, Neuropathology, and Electron Microscopy laboratories. The Histology laboratory offers processing and embedding of tissue blocks, cutting of unstained slides and levels, H&E staining, special staining, decalcification, and limited procedures involving frozen tissue. Antibodies, Immunofluorescence (both direct and indirect), and In-situ hybridization are available from the Immunohistochemistry laboratory. The Electron Microscopy laboratory offers processing of blocks, thick and thin analysis, scope time, and prints. Researchers are also able to take advantage of Flow Cytometry services, such as the prep, analysis, and fit of paraffin blocks and fresh tissue. Existing slides and tissue blocks of patients may be requested for research purposes from the front office. |
Research Testing Services
Department of Laboratory Medicine
(206) 616-8979
website |
As a clinical department in UW Medicine, the Department of Laboratory Medicine serves as a regional resource for clinical laboratory services required for patient care and for educational programs in clinical laboratory science. The Department of Laboratory Medicine has the largest test menu of any laboratory in the Pacific Northwest. The Research Testing Service offers a full range of clinical testing to researchers. |
Resource Facility for Population Kinetics
Department of Bioengineering
(206) 616-1133
website |
The Resource Facility for Population Kinetics' emphasis is on compartmental modeling and population kinetic analysis of biomedical and pharmaceutical data. The RFPK promotes the application of integrated systems modeling in biomedical research by providing expertise in experimental design, model development and testing, education, and developing new mathematical/statistical methods for incorporation in state-of-the-art software tools. |
Washington National Primate Research Center
(206) 543-0440
website
|
One of eight NIH-supported National Primate Research Centers in the US. Provides specialized resources for nonhuman primate research applicable to the solution of human health problems as well as training programs for scientists, staff and students regarding safety, biohazards, and proper care and use of nonhuman primates in research. |