Clinical and Translational Research Education and Commercialization Project (CTRECP)
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Research Core

CTRC Services

CTRC Application

Core Laboratory and Services

Emergency Information
CTRC Services

Skilled Nursing Services
  • 24 hour registered nurse staff available seven days a week.
  • Highly experienced research nurses.
  • Chemotherapy certified.
  • Skills in intravenous line placement, collection of accurately timed blood and urine sampling, and monitoring for side effects from investigational interventions.
  • Board certified Family Nurse Practitioner available to screen and manage protocol patients/participants.
  • Case report form management and regulatory assistance.
  • Individualized patient education.
  • Development of standardized physicians’ orders and study flowsheets.

Specialized Research Study Facilities and Equipment

  • Inpatient and out room availability.
  • Pulse oximetry.
  • Automated blood pressure monitoring.
  • Intravenous and syringe infusion pumps.
  • Bone density and body composition scanning.
  • Pulmonary function testing.
  • Electrocardiography and radiology services.
  • Centralized laboratory services.
  • Beckman glucose analyzer for clamp procedures.

Biostatistical Support

  • On-site coverage for study design, statistical power analysis, and methods for collecting and analyzing data.
  • Guidance in statistical methods, the selection and use of statistical software, and interpretation and presentation of data.

Research Nutrition Services

  • Certified Diabetes research nutritionist.
  • Meal planning-diets tailored to study specifications.
  • Dietary analysis of food records and dietary histories.
  • Indirect calorimetry for assessment of metabolic rates.
  • Body composition analysis by bioelectrical impedance.
  • Individualized patient education.

Research Subject Advocate Services

  • Assistance with the development and implementation of protocol-specific data and safety monitoring plan (DSMP).
  • Regulatory assistance.
  • Human subject training assistance.
  • Investigator/coordinator DSMP training.
     
    Who can use the CTRC?

Any Tulane University or Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center-New Orleans faculty member conducting an Institutional Review Board (IRB) approved clinical research project can use CTRC resources. Resources are allocated according to availability.

What does it cost to use the CTRC?

The cost involved with implementing a research protocol will vary according to the project type and source(s) of funding. An individual study budget will need to be submitted along with the project application for review and negotiation prior to approval. Many studies will require cost-sharing with the CTRC. CTRC funding cannot be offered to pharmaceutical sponsored studies; however, many of these studies are implemented within the CTRC on a fee-for-service basis negotiated prior to approval. Questions regarding project costs/cost-sharing should be directed to the CTRC Administrative Manager, Gina Currera at 504-988-4000 or gcurrer@tulane.edu

How do I apply to use the CTRC?

The CTRC welcomes the submission of new clinical protocols by all investigators in the Tulane University and Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center-New Orleans systems. Review of a new study begins with submitting a set of completed protocol documents along with the CTRC application (three copies each of the CTRC application, data and safety monitoring plan, protocol, consents, and IRB approval). As part of the application process, all studies must have an individualized Data and Safety Monitoring Plan (DSMP). Please contact the Administrative Manager, Gina Currera at 504-988-4000 or gcurrer@tulane.edu for the CTRC application and DSMP template. All new submissions must be received in the CTRC Administrative Manager’s office (located at 127 Elks Place, Room 401) office by the 10th day of each month for review at the monthly CTRC Advisory Committee meeting. Incomplete applications will be returned without consideration.

How do I schedule patients/participants?

Prior to implementing any study procedures, all investigators or his/her designee must attend a study initiation meeting with the CTRC Nurse Manager, Core Laboratory Director, Administrative Manager, and Research Subject Advocate. This meeting is intended to clarify study needs, scheduling, and budgetary issues. Study coordinators may begin to schedule out-patients after completing the initiation meeting by contacting Erin Plaia, RN, Assistant Nurse Manager at 504-988-6834 or eplaia@tulane.edu

In-patient scheduling may be done by contacting the Nurse Manager, Virginia Garrison, RN, BSN, at 504-988-6834 or vgarris@tulane.edu
     
   
     
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