An interdisciplinary resource
MedStar Health Research Institute’s Multidisciplinary Core Services function to support investigators as an interdisciplinary resource. Investigators are encouraged to work with their respective Scientific Center Administrator to access each of the cores. For core projects needing a multidisciplinary effort, a Scientific Advisory Panel will review the proposed project and provide investigators with guidance on how use of the other cores within the facility might enhance their research projects.
Center for Biostastistics, Informatics, and Data science (CBIDS)
The mission of MedStar Health Research Institute's Center for Biostatistics, Informatics, and Data Science (CBIDS) is to design, execute, and analyze clinical and epidemiologic studies, and provide expertise in high-quality statistical methods, clinical informatics, data science, and health information technology application development for intramural and extramural investigators.
The Center’s team of experts and analysts have extensive knowledge and experience in biostatistics, epidemiology, outcomes research, data collection and management, machine learning, and application development using existing and innovative methods.
Biomarker, Biochemistry and Biorepository Core
The Biomarker, Biochemistry and Biorepository Core (B3 Core) is the core research laboratory of MedStar Health Research Institute. For over 20 years, staff members of the B3 Core (formerly known as the Penn Medical Laboratory) have provided scientific, laboratory, and biorepository services to researchers conducting clinical studies, trials, and epidemiologic investigations sponsored by the National Institutes of Health (NIH), other federal agencies, foundations, and pharmaceutical sponsors.
To be connected with the B3 Core administrators, please email research@medstar.net.
Services
- Processing and storing of blood, urine, and DNA samples
- Providing accurate and timely measurements of biomarkers
- Providing field training to ensure quality control and efficiency of study personnel
- Answering specific research and technical questions
- Designing laboratory protocols and supporting investigator applications
Capability highlights
- Automated and esoteric chemistries and immunoassays, including RIA, ELISA, and multiplexed microfluidic Luminex XMAP assays.
- Genotyping, immunologic, molecular, and chromatographic methods.
- New method development and assay evaluation.
- Rigorous quality control with certification and proficiency testing by College of American Pathologists (CAP), CMS Clinical Laboratory Improvement Amendments (CLIA), and Northwest Lipid Metabolism and Diabetes Research Labs.
- Scientific and operational support for clinical, pre-clinical, and in vitro studies, including laboratory protocol development, accession form design, kit assembly, field staff training, assay design and validation, laboratory testing, and study implementation. Learn more about the B3 Core's resources and assay methods.
- Sample acquisition and processing, including serum, plasma, DNA extraction, cell isolations, and lysates.
- Sample tracking using study-specific bar-coded labels and database.
- Sample storage in continuously monitored and alarmed -80ºC freezers.
- Computerized laboratory information management system with flexible electronic, fax, or paper reporting by certified medical technologists. All computer systems are secure, supported, and backed-up daily.
- Collaborative arrangements with a wide network of university and hospital research laboratories enable the B3 Core to provide comprehensive clinical and research laboratory resources to all clients and sponsors.
Research pharmacy
Full-service research pharmacy provides investigators and sponsors with a broad range of services:
- Protocol review and development
- Secure storage of pharmaceutical and biological materials
- Preparation and dispensing of study medications (including gene therapy products)
- Patient randomization
- Drug accountability documentation
- Experience with multi-center, national, and international clinical trials