Clinical Research Support

Mutation Detection: For PCR and Sanger sequencing both testing and bioinformatics interpretation are conducted. This method is currently being used in patients with chronic granulomatous disease (CGD), WHIM syndrome, and other autoimmune disorders. Because Sanger is a “general method,” it can also be and has been used for other mutation detection, including assays for inherited diseases and cancer-related genes, as well as verification of next-generation sequencing discoveries. Assays can be optimized for any new gene(s) of interest. We perform traditional polymerase chain reaction … [learn more]

The Clinical Support Laboratory offers processing, tracking, and testing of a broad range of clinical samples. Support can begin at the early stages of clinical trial development to aid in developing a comprehensive strategy for sample collection, processing, and testing with a special emphasis on immunologic testing. The lab collaborates with partners to develop customized assays or transfer existing assay technology with assay validation, data analysis and interpretation of results. Processing specializes in PBMC isolation and controlled rate freezing, ELISA based biomarker testing, and mult… [learn more]

Clinical Support Laboratory – Cellular Immunology offers a spectrum of bioassays to assess cellular responses to antigens and mitogens including ELISPOT, cytotoxicity assays, and proliferation assays. Established Technologies Elispot Assays, Dual or Triple Color Fluorospot Assays, Murine Immunoassays, Cytotoxic T cell assays (Chromium Release Assays), Antigen and mitogen-induced cell proliferation, Mixed Lymphocyte Reactions, Antibody-Dependent Cell-Mediated Cytotoxicity, Cell Metabolic Analysis via Seahorse, In vitro St… [learn more]

The Clinical Flow Cytometry Laboratory provides extensive support for NCI clinical protocols by providing diagnostic testing for leukemia and lymphoma in patients either on NCI clinical protocols or undergoing testing to determine eligibility for NCI protocols. The Unit provides clinical flow cytometric evaluation of blood, bone marrow, fine needle aspirates, tissue biopsies and body fluids for hematolymphoid neoplasia in NCI and NIH patients. The majority of flow cytometric testing performed by the Unit involves detection of minimal residual disease (patients are status post-therapy at outsid… [learn more]

The NCI Clinical Research Correlatives Core provides non-CLIA-certified spectral flow cytometric assays to support clinical trials conducted in the CCR. The core specializes in immunophenotyping and immune monitoring assays. Established Technologies Spectral flow cytometry (Cytek), Services offered include: Assistance with the experimental design, Assay development/panel optimization, Sample processing and preparation, Sample acquisition, Data analysis, Immunoprofiling assays offered include: “a la carte” CYTEK expandable antibody panel… [learn more]

The Blood Processing Core monitors viral load in patients with HIV and performs sequential studies using samples obtained from patients with cancer, AIDS, chronic granulomatous disease, or other diseases associated with immunologic dysfunction. The core collects clinical specimens from inpatient units and clinics within the National Institutes of Health Clinical Center. We then oversee the processing and cryopreservation of human serum, plasma, peripheral blood mononuclear cells, and other specimens. Our technicians are also trained and qualified to execute preclinical animal protocols and ro… [learn more]

The Clinical Image Processing Service (CIPS) offers timely and accurate advanced image processing of diagnostic radiology images for clinical care, research, and training. CIPS’ functions include clinical services and scientific researches. Established Technologies: CIPS can process most modern imaging modalities such as MR, CT, PET and Ultrasound in anatomical regions from the hand to the heart. The CIPS lab currently offers services in seven exam categories: IP Dynamic Enhancement Dynamic Enhancement MRI (DEMRI) is a type of MRI study in which intravenous contrast is administered… [learn more]

The Department of Laboratory Medicine provides state-of-the-art laboratory testing in support of Clinical Center patient care and will serve as a center of excellence in research and training in laboratory medicine, particularly in areas which utilize the unique strengths of the National Institutes of Health. Goals We are committed to the following goals:, Respectful, compassionate, and high-quality patient care, High standards of clinical laboratory practice and efficiency, Optimal support of clinical research protocols, Excellence in applied and medi… [learn more]

Radiology and Imaging Sciences provides imaging services for National Institutes of Health (NIH) Clinical Center patients participating in research protocols conducted by the various NIH institutes. Services include X-rays, fluoroscopy, ultrasound, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scans, computed tomography (CT) scans, and interventional radiology (special procedures).Radiology also conducts research studies of clinical imaging procedures and offers training in biomedical imaging research.Established Technologies Radiology Body Imaging (conventional x… [learn more]

The Metabolic Clinical Research Unit (MCRU) opened in 2007 as a key component of the Strategic Plan for NIH Obesity Research . The NIDDK worked closely with the Clinical Center to design the Unit, which houses state-of-the-art facilities and equipment for a wide range of metabolic clinical research studies. The MCRU brings together experts in a wide range of fields including metabolism, endocrinology, nutrition, cardiovascular biology, gastroenterology, hepatology, genetics, and behavioral sciences. It supports protocols designed by researchers from across all NIH institutes investigating the … [learn more]

The Neurorehabilitation and Biomechanics Research Section (also referred to as the NAB LAB) is a multidisciplinary group of highly qualified scientists, clinical and technical staff, and trainees with diverse backgrounds including medical, physical therapy, neuroscience and biomedical engineering expertise. Clinical Services Clinical services include comprehensive physical and functional assessments by Certified Adult and Pediatric Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation Medicine physicians and our team of physical therapists. Based on this initial assessment additional evaluations may be rec… [learn more]

The NIH Clinical Center Pharmacy Department provides pharmaceutical care to inpatients and outpatients on NIH intramural research protocols at the NIH Clinical Center. The Clinical Center facility encompasses 200 inpatient beds, 93 day-hospital stations, and 15 clinics. Clinical Center pharmacy staff provide sophisticated research support to health care providers as well as clinical investigators. Pharmacists conduct and participate in research programs that enhance knowledge regarding investigational drugs and new uses of commercially available agents. The Pharmacy Department's Investigation… [learn more]

The PET Department, CC, functions as a core facility that supports basic, translational, and clinical research using PET. It is a vertically integrated facility, with resources to produce positron-emitting radionuclides, manufacture PET radiopharmaceuticals in a cGMP facility, and use them to image CC patients. Our staff includes cyclotron engineers, radiochemists, physicians, physicists, radiopharmacists, imaging technologists, and regulatory/quality assurance experts. Resources include: Two GE PETtrace cyclotrons on the B3 level of Bldg 10, installed in 20… [learn more]

The Center of Cellular Engineering (CCE) is a comprehensive facility that develops and manufactures a wide range of cell and gene therapies for early phase clinical trials. The CCE is currently manufacturing chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) T-cells, T-cell receptor (TCR)-engineered T-cells, cancer vaccines, induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSC), retinal pigmented epithelial cells derived from autologous iPSC and genetically modified hematopoietic stems cells. In the past the CCE has manufactured dendritic cells, NK cells, virus specific T-cells and mesenchymal stromal cells. The CCE also proces… [learn more]

The NIH MRI Research Facility (NMRF) is a shared, intramural resource for human imaging studies. The NMRF is supported by all Institutes at NIH and reports to the Shared Resources Subcommittee (SRS) of the Scientific Directors. Administratively, NMRF resides within NINDS. The NMR Center Steering Committee provides the direct oversight for NMRF activities. Service Offerings Provide intellectual, technical and material support for investigators using its imaging and computer resources. , MRI using a state-of-the-art 7.0 T human MRI system and other resour… [learn more]

The Behavioral Health Core (BHC) is comprised of the two separate but interrelated components: 1) Psychosocial Support and Research Program, and 2) Health Psychology and Neurobehavioral Research Program. These teams provide specialized expertise, such as patient-reported and neurocognitive outcome assessments, to support NCI clinical trials and natural history studies. They also develop behavioral science protocols to investigate specific psychosocial and neurobehavioral effects of chronic illness. The BHC investigators develop novel assessment tool… [learn more]