Clinical and Translational Research Unit
University of Georgia

Contact: Kim Schmitz
Phone: 706-713-2722

The Clinical and Translational Research Unit (CTRU) is designed to support faculty in conducting clinical and translational research that advance our understanding and treatment of important diseases in Georgia and throughout the country. The CTRU provides key research personnel and dedicated space to conduct clinical trials. Access to state-wide research support is available to investigators through the Georgia Clinical & Translational Science Alliance.

SERVICES AND RESOURCES

  • Protocol development
  • Participant screeningExercise machines, metabolic cart, EKG, spirometry, ultrasound, and more
  •  Biological sample processing, testing, shipping, and storage
  • Conference room, private consent/interview rooms, exercise lab, metabolic kitchen, outpatient exam rooms
  • Grant and contract assistance
  • Study coordination
  • Capabilities for clinical, genetic, imaging, exercise, nutrition, and community health studies

PERSONNEL
Research Nurses, Study Coordinators, Research Pharmacist, Phlebotomist, Biostatistician, Recruitment Specialist

Clinical Support Services provide investigators with experienced clinical research staff and space (3,600 sq. ft.) for research with human subjects. The CTRU has three outpatient research rooms, phlebotomy/vitals area, and a private consenting room. In addition, a large conference room with video conferencing capabilities is available for research team or group study subject meetings.

Recruitment Services provide investigators with research staff to conduct pre-screening of potential participants for study eligibility by telephone or email. Supported studies will be advertised through the CTRU website and listserv. 

The Core Laboratory is fully equipped to process and store blood and other study samples. After processing, study samples may be stored short or long-term, and sent to a clinical testing lab or investigator, core, or commercial facilities for analytical and genetic analyses. The laboratory is equipped with refrigerated centrifuges, refrigerators, freezers (-20ºC & -80ºC), and analytical balances.

For Exercise Physiology studies, the unit is equipped with exercise treadmills and a stairclimber. Heart rate monitors are available for study subjects to wear during exercise studies, and exercise equipment is capable of receiving heart rate transmissions from these devices. A metabolic measurement system (ParvoMedics TrueOne 2400) is available for cardiopulmonary stress testing, indirect calorimetry, and maximal O2 consumption measurements.

The Metabolic Kitchen supports study meal preparation/controlled study diets and includes a full-size refrigerator and freezer, small appliances, and tools for food preparation (e.g. microwave, digital food scale, blender, etc.), along with a storage area for food.

For Cardiovascular Testing and clinical trials, the unit is equipped to conduct resting and stress test EKGs (Welch Allyn CardioPerfect), and can do ultrasound imaging (Terason uSmart 3300) with linear, curved, and phased array transducers.

Pilot Studies are provided on a competitive basis to support individual investigators and interdisciplinary meeting reviewer recommendations for a grant submission.

The unit provides Research Design and Biostatistical Support to investigators on study design, measurement methods, and data analysis.

More about this core facility at University of Georgia »

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