Clinical Core

The Clinical Core of the UAB CFAR was established in 1988 to provide a bridge between the patients attending the newly established AIDS Outpatient Clinic (1917 Clinic) and the investigative activities of the basic scientists working in the laboratories in the expanding UAB AIDS Center. Over the 20 years since inception, the Clinical Core has expanded and diversified to meet the needs of the overall AIDS research program at UAB in  three targeted service areas—the Specimen Repository, the Database, and Clinical Research Training

The Clinical core maintains and provides patient samples from a comprehensive and efficient Specimen Repository obtained from well-characterized patients for collaborative investigations involving multiple research disciplines. Contact the Clinical Core to have samples processed or obtain samples for research purposes. The Core also provides samples to other CFARs and outside investigators to aid scientific research. More information regarding the policies for specimen/data collection, storage and access can be found in the Clinical Core Policies/Procedures/Chargebacks information.

The Clinical Core also provides a Computerized Database and Informatics Service to store and access complex, interactive data to assist with study design and to conduct appropriate data analysis. For more information, visit the UAB 1917 Clinic Cohort website or review the Database and Informatics Data Collection information.

• The core works with young and established UAB investigators and well as outside researchers to provide data queries and identification of potential research subjects who meet clinical or scientific criteria for retrospective or prospective translational research studies.
• The Clinical core will collaborate with other CFARs and institutions in the form of computerized informatics and biostatistics expertise to assist with launching their own databases. 

Training/Education: Clinical Research Training Services are provided at all levels (from students to research staff representing a variety of disciplines to seasoned faculty updating their skills).

• Provide training for a variety of domestic health care workers and students with potential HIV research career interests.
• Collaborate with the Biostatistical Core to provide research methods, database and statistical training of local and international investigators.
• Coordinate with the Developmental Core to match trainees or new researchers to appropriate mentors and projects.
• Collaborate with the International Core to provide leadership and expertise to build research capacity in international sites, including the long-distance exchange of information as well as on-site research training and advice.