The University of Miami Miller School of Medicine Clinical Research Center (UM-CRC) is an outpatient facility that provides centralized clinical research infrastructure to benefit investigators in multiple disciplines across UM. Located on the seventh floor of the Clinical Research Building (CRB), our mission is to provide a comfortable, safe and effective environment to conduct professional, high-quality research involving human subjects. This is achieved by providing the necessary environment, equipment and personnel to optimize research goals. The UM-CRC replaces the previous General Clinical Research Center (GCRC) model, and has been reorganized in response to national changes in funding of clinical research centers. To get started, please submit the
CRC Services/Resources Request Form.
The UM-CRC operates under a
fee-for-service model that supports growth and investment in clinical and translational research at UM. While cost recovery is an essential component of successful operation, National Institutes of Health (NIH)-supported and unfunded junior investigators performing novel, career-developing studies enjoy partially subsidized services. Our cost recovery system has been designed to sustain and ultimately expand our services and mirrors a national shift in how human subjects research is supported at universities. Our administration works with investigators and
Clinical Research Initiation Services (CRIS) to develop appropriate study budgets for grants and industry supported studies. We invite you to learn more about the UM-CRC by exploring the following links:
Administration:
The UM-CRC administrative staff manages the non-clinical operation of the Center including oversight of finances and billing and the process of applying for use of the UM-CRC.
Nursing:
The UM-CRC is staffed by professional research nurses who have experience and specific expertise in clinical research involving diverse study populations. The nursing staff provides research care for study participants while ensuring their safety and collaborates with investigators for the coordination and performance of clinical research studies. We encourage research teams to consult with our head nurse in advance to assist with the development of their research protocols. This will enhance the quality of work, streamline the application and implementation process and promote the necessary team effort required for the successful performance of team science.
Bionutrition:
The Bionutrition Core of the UM-CRC is led by a Licensed and Registered Dietitian (RD, LD/N), who is also a Certified Diabetes Educator (CDE) with experience in designing and conducting clinical research trials. The Bionutrition Core provides both resources and services for protocols that have a nutrition-related component. Services include support of protocol development, dietary assessment and analysis and nutrition education and intervention using the most sophisticated quantitative methods and nutrition software. The Core works with nursing and other support staff for training and collecting anthropometric measurements, including bioimpedance analysis and other standard anthropometric tests (e.g., skinfold measurements). Bone densitometry and body composition (DEXA) testing is also available with the appropriate support staff. For studies requiring standardized meal services or study diets, the UM-CRC Bionutrition group works in collaboration with University of Miami Hospital Dietary Services to design, cook, and package study meals.
Laboratory:
The primary role of the UM-CRC Core laboratory staff is to serve the needs of investigators involved in UM-CRC clinical protocols by providing routine sample collection, processing, and storage. The laboratory maintains a sample processing facility within close proximity to the exam rooms, aiding in rapid specimen processing.
Facilities, Equipment & Services:
UM-CRC researchers and their teams should use the CRC Services/Resources Request Form to access the following facilities, equipment and services:
Facilities:
- Clinical examination rooms and invasive procedure rooms equipped with an exam table, infusion chair, vital signs monitor, and sink
- Phlebotomy room equipped with three infusion chairs
- Interview rooms equipped with internet access, table and chairs
- Small specimen processing room equipped with refrigerated centrifuges, standard microscope, refrigerator and a -20 freezer
- Specimen storage room equipped with a -80 freezer
Other Equipment:
- Automated vital signs monitor
- Pulse oximetry
- 12-lead ECG
- Intravenous infusion pumps
- OneTouch glucose monitor
Services:
- Phlebotomy
- Infusion studies
- Specimen processing laboratory services
- Short-term specimen storage
- Anthropometry
- Bone densitometry and body composition (DEXA)
- Nutritional consultation, dietary assessment and analysis
Other services that are not listed (i.e. cardiovascular imaging) are available throughout campus. The UM-CRC administrative staff can assist research teams with fostering collaborations for those services.
Note: It must be emphasized that the CRC is an outpatient facility and is not equipped for acute care needs. For studies beyond the scope of safety of the CRC, the staff is able to assist investigators in finding alternatives that meet their needs.
