The Clinical Research Unit (CRU) is committed to providing investigators and their teams a research environment and broad range of services guided by good clinical practice. This contributes to the conduct of excellence in clinical and translational research. The unit equips investigators with essential tools and critical resources, while providing a highly efficient and flexible infrastructure that is sustainable through a comprehensive cost-recovery system. Located within the 15th floor of Jefferson Towers, the CRU consists of:

• Large 6 Chair Infusion Suite
• 5 Exam/Procedure Rooms
• 10 Chairs and 3 Beds
• Max Capacity of 13 Patients

Nursing Services

Our experienced team of clinical research nurses are specially trained to assist you in the conduct of your studies. The nursing staff has a breadth of clinical and research experience that encompasses clinical care on a continuum of healthy volunteers to complex disease processes. Our nursing practice is guided by scientific knowledge, standards of care, and a code of ethics.

We facilitate new studies by working closely with the research nurse coordinators to meet the specific needs of each protocol. We also facilitate staff education by coordinating in-services and ensuring staff have the knowledge needed to effectively carry out a research protocol.

CRU Services & Capabilities

Nursing assessment	Pharmacodynamic and pharmacokinetic sampling
Patient education	Cardiac & pulse oximetry monitoring
Treatment monitoring	Phlebotomy services
Medication administration	Questionnaire administration
Point-of-care testing	Extended stay for healthy research participants
Intravenous therapy

Register

The first step in accessing CRU services is registering. The following information is required:

• A completed Registration Form
• Human Subjects Protocol (approval may be pending — send stamped approval form when available)
• Consent Form(s) (approval may be pending — send stamped consent form(s) when available)
• Protocol (Grant application, sponsor protocol, study group protocol)

The registration form and accompanying documentation should be sent electronically to: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Study Initiation

After registering, you will receive an official letter from us that details the services to be used and any requirements to initialize the study. This letter must be signed by the PI and returned to us before the study can begin (Step 2).

Study Implementation

The third step is to hold an in-service for CRU nurses. An in-service should be scheduled at least two weeks prior to the first scheduled participant appointment. Email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or call 205-975-2758 to schedule your in-service. To better understand the goals of an in-service, you may wish to review these in-service Guidelines.

Scheduling Participants

After the in-service is completed, you can begin scheduling participants to receive CRU services. Call 205-934-6669 or email CRU Nurse Manager Joshua Vernon to schedule appointments for participants. A series of visits may be scheduled at one time to ensure availability of resources.

Outpatient: 15th floor of Jefferson Tower (625 19th Street S.).

Inpatient: 8th floor Medical Education Building (1813 6th Ave. S.). 

Coordinator Tools

We offer several helpful tools for study coordinators. Available on request.

• Coordinator Checklist
• IV Infusion Sheet
• Oral Drug Flow Sheet
• OGTT Flow Sheet

Contact Information

Don't see what you need or have an urgent request?
Contact us at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or 205-934-7442.

CRU Nurse Manager: Joshua Vernon, RN; This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
CRU Medical Director: Pankit Vachhani, MD; This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

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