About Us
The Florida Atlantic University (FAU) Division of Research Clinical Research Unit (CRU) supports, trains, inspires, and facilitates a network of investigators who conduct clinical studies that evaluate innovative treatments, technology, interventions, and new devices to improve the health and well-being of research participants.
The CRU is located on the FAU Boca Raton campus. The unit provides the guidance, tools, and training to properly conduct clinical research. The FAU Division of Research has a dedicated staff of professionals who are skilled in several aspects of clinical research, including study startup, project coordination, and regulatory oversight.
The CRU staff provide the following outpatient clinical research services:
Project Management and Research Coordination
The CRU staff has experienced clinical research physicians, project leaders, and study coordinators who provide human subject’s research protection and regulatory assistance to achieve the investigator’s research goals while upholding compliance with all regulations and standards. In the initial phases of investigator-initiated research studies, the CRU and the Biostatistics Collaborative Core provide consultation and support on health-related research study design, biostatistics, and epidemiology.
Research Nurses
Our facility director and research nurse coordinator are fully credentialed, basic life support certified registered nurses and are skilled in advanced assessment, administration of various routes of medication, and phlebotomy.
Physical Resources
Clinical Research Unit Space
The CRU is located on the first floor of Office Building One, ME-104. The facility provides:
- Two exam rooms
- Two private cognitive testing rooms/consultation rooms
- Three infusion bays
- Phlebotomy area
- DXA room
- A comfortable waiting room for participants and family members
EQUIPMENT
The CRU has a variety of clinical and research equipment to meet the needs of our investigators. Below is a list of some of the equipment available for use:
- Portable stadiometer
- Portable EKG machine
- Vital signs machines with pulse oximetry
- Electronic and standing portable scale
- Infusion pumps (Alaris Model 8100)
- Zoll Defibrillator
- Accu-check Blood Glucose Monitoring
Laboratory Specimen Collection, Processing and Storage
The laboratory is operated by experienced research coordinators and research assistants who can perform specimen collection and point of care testing. The staff follows study specific protocols to process, aliquot, and store samples. The laboratory equipment available for use includes:
- Three -80°Celsius freezers
- One -20°degree Celsius freezer
- Specimen Refrigerator
- Variable speed and temperature centrifuge
- Biosafety cabinet
- Short- and long-term specimen storage
- Procedures for immediate shipment to external laboratories
Cognitive Testing
CRU research coordinators have the expertise to execute cognitive testing for research. We provide scientifically valid computerized tests to assess participants’ cognitive abilities, i.e., the processes of thinking, memory, language, judgment, and learning. We utilize two private testing rooms for this testing and evaluation.
Gait Lab
The gait lab is equipped with an electronic walkway, which analyzes phases of gait, and provides numerous measurements, such as velocity, step width, step length, and weight bearing distribution. The 770 In-body machine uses bioelectrical impedance to assess body anthropomorphic standards. The FallTrak II assesses postural sway, proprioception, and balance.
Pharmacy
We provide comprehensive management of all facets of study agents, including: order, receipt, and storage in a secure climate-controlled (ambient and refrigerator) environment; preparation; accountability and record retention; returns and destruction; staff education and training; and quality management.
CRU can assist investigators with:
- Study design and feasibility consultation
- Institutional Review Board (IRB) submission
- Federal, state, and institutional regulatory compliance
- Study coordination
- Research testing and questionnaire administration according to study protocol and procedures
- Data and specimen collection
- Sample processing
- IATA certified storage, packaging, and shipping of biological samples
- Phlebotomy
- Medication administration