Research Resources
Benaroya Research Institute Clinical Research Center
Overview
The CRC at BRI opened in 2001 with the primary aim of providing dedicated space
for the conduct of clinical research studies for Virginia Mason Medical Center (VMMC)
and BRI investigators. Echoing the primary research focus of BRI, there is particular
expertise on clinical research and trials related to immune mediated diseases; however,
a wide variety of protocols are conducted on the unit. These include NIH or other
federally funded studies, those funded by non-profit research groups such as the
Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation, as well as private industry studies. These
are largely investigator-initiated or Phase 1 and II studies. Services are provided
for all ages, and the CRC provides a family friendly environment for these studies
involving young children.
Description
The Benaroya Research Institute Clinical Research Center is located on the 8th floor
of Virginia Mason Medical Center. As such, the resources of the VMMC are available
for emergencies.
The CRC consists of 2,600 square feet of space. There are four rooms for subjects.
Room one has two research beds, room two is a single which allows for studies requiring
isolation such as those involving radioactive materials. Room three has 3 research
beds, and room four has an exam table. In addition, there are 4 infusion chairs.
A research subject bathroom is within the unit, and a shared shower facility is
adjacent.
All rooms are fully equipped with emergency equipment and a call system. There is
a fully stocked crash cart on the unit including Braslau materials for resuscitation
of children. A scale is located in the hallway. There is a locked medication and
supply room, with a locked medication refrigerator unit.
There is an on-site laboratory which has centrifuges, a refrigerator/freezer unit
(-20◦), and other materials to handle blood and urine specimens. Additional long
term or specialized storage for research specimens (e.g. liquid nitrogen, -80◦ freezer)
can be arranged at the BRI clinical core facility across the street from the BRI
CRC. There is ample storage space for general CRC supplies as well as for specific
studies.
To ensure a comfortable environment for subjects, each room has lockers for research
subject's personal belongings, and a TV/VCR. There are numerous videos for adults
and children. Children also have access to video, board games and puzzles, and other
toys. Rooms are large enough to allow parents or other family members to be with
the research subject. The CRC has a conference room for meeting with research subjects
and their families. There is a small kitchen with refrigerator and microwave to
handle meals, snacks and beverages for subjects.
There are computers for staff use on the unit. Several are networked to the VMMC
system, and one is networked to the BRI system allowing access to the clinical research
database. Office equipment such as fax and copiers are available for use. There
is desk space for reception and investigators, and separate office space for the
RN manager.
Services and staffing
The medical director of the BRI CRC is Carla Greenbaum MD. The full-time RN manager
of the BRI CRC is Karen Lucas RN. There is a receptionist trained in phlebotomy
who is responsible for scheduling as well as welcoming and registering research
subjects. In addition to RN and phlebotomy services, the VMMC nutrition services
provides either standard or research meals.
The BRI CRC is generally opened 7:30 to 4 pm M-F. However, with suitable advance
notice the CRC may be available for evening, overnight, and weekend or holiday hours.
Investigators interested in learning more about the BRI Clinical Research Unit may
contact Karen Lucas at Karen.Lucas@vmmc.org or Carla Greenbaum at cjgreen@benaroyaresearch.org
http://www.benaroyaresearch.org/