Translational Research Subcore

The Translational Research Subcore (TRS) supports clinical and socio-behavioral researchers with a multitude of study-beneficial services:

• The HIV Specimen Repository contains plasma and peripheral blood mononuclear cell (PBMC) specimens linked to extensive clinical data

• The Enhanced Data and Specimen Collection Service supports the prospective collection of clinical samples

• HIV Research Study Participant Screening and Patient Referral supports the screening and recruitment of HIV-positive and HIV-negative patients into clinical, laboratory, and socio-behavioral research studies

• Through Consultations we support study implementation including the provision of clinical space, phlebotomy etc.

Both basic and clinical scientists at CFAR benefit from the services and consultations of the subcore. Our dedicated research nurse at Harborview HIV clinic expedites the screening and enrollment of appropriate patients into new translational studies.

With our HIV Specimen Repository—which contains frozen plasma, serum, and PBMC specimens linked to extensive clinical data, we offer immediate access to large numbers of well characterized samples for translational studies. Contributions to this repository comprise a rich longitudinal collection of samples that reflect serial specimen donations (2-3X/year) with linkage to health data from electronic medical records, including clinical, virologic, immunologic, and demographic factors.

Through our Enhanced Data and Specimen Collection Service, we provide an infrastructure for lab-based investigators to obtain clinical specimens including rectal or GI biopsies.

Subcore faculty can assist with design, methods, quality assurance, and data interpretation in clinical studies of AIDS/HIV. They can partner with CFAR researchers to develop novel laboratory methods for determining viral loads in various compartments and correlating these HIV markers with clinical outcomes.