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 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 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 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]