Research Specimen Processing Laboratory

The Research Specimen Processing Laboratory (RSPL), supported by the Office of Clinical Research (OCR), processes, packages, stores and ships research specimens for Children's Research Institute clinical research investigators and team members.

Location and Hours

The Research Specimen Processing Lab is located on Children’s Main Campus on the secured 8th floor Airplane wing of the hospital. Approved staff are provided with an elevator code to reach the 8th floor and badge permission to access the lab.

To obtain lab access, users must complete the "Bloodborne Pathogens" and "Diagnostic Specimen Transport and Shipping" modules on CHEX (if applicable) and the RSPL orientation provided by RSPL staff.

Hours

Staff are available between the hours of 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Services

  • Specimen retrieval from within the hospital
    • Pickup is available from the clinical or CRC lab.
    • If pneumatic tube delivery to the clinical lab would compromise the quality of the specimen, alternative arrangements can be requested in the RSPL Application.
  • Minimal to complex specimen processing of single or multiple specimens
  • Custom made labels specific to each protocol
    • These are produced in-house with pre-printed log numbers for easy identification.
  • Specimen shipping
  • Specimen storage
  • Education and training
  • Dedicated bench space for specimen processing

Equipment

  • Refrigerated centrifuge
  • Refrigerated microcentrifuge
  • Desktop room temperature centrifuge
  • Freezers (-20°C and -80°C)
  • Refrigerator
  • Mass Spectrometer *
  • Cell culture facilities *
  • Liquid nitrogen tank *
  • Microtome *
  • Microscope
  • Cytospin
  • BSF hoods
  • Fume hood

* indicates additional training required for use of this equipment.

Fee Structure

All new grant and contract applications submitted as of October 1, 2006, to the Office of Sponsored Research must include FY07 fees.

Please contact Michelle Palmer in the Office of Sponsored Research at 884-5617 for fee structure details.

How to Apply

View a flowchart of the application process (PDF).

To apply, please complete the application form (DOC).

Instructions:

  • Submit the RSPL application after IRB pre-review is complete. This minimizes the confusion and extra work accompanying protocol modifications.
  • Fill out the application completely; the RSPL staff is available for consult if questions arise.
  • E-mail the completed application, study protocol, and lab manual (if available) to RSPL. Sending hard copies of attachments unavailable electronically is acceptable.
  • Applications will be reviewed by RSPL staff; the study team will be contacted to review requested services and complete the approval process.

Expectations:

Submission of this application attests to the study team's agreement to the following:

  1. IRB approval will be obtained and maintained for all activities conducted by the RSPL.
  2. All specimens submitted to the RSPL must be consented/assented for prior to collection.
  3. Any member of the study team who handles specimens is responsible for obtaining annual "Blood-borne Pathogens" and "Diagnostic Specimen Transport and Shipping" training via CHEX.
  4. Everyone who accesses the lab must participate in RSPL orientation provided by RSPL staff.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are there fees for service?

Yes. Please contact Michelle Palmer in the Office of Sponsored Research at 884-5617 for fee structure details.

What are the hours of operation?

The RSPL Coordinator is available 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday through Friday. After hours, the lab is accessible to approved research staff once badge access and elevator codes are provided by the RSPL staff during the application process.

Is consulting available?

Yes. Please contact Joshua Reynolds to discuss your plans any time prior to application submission.

What supplies are provided?

  • Safety equipment, such as gloves, goggles and disposable lab coats
  • Shipping materials, such as shipping containers, labels, tape, dry ice and related packing supplies / materials
  • Processing materials, such as pipette man, labels and cryovials (subject to availability)

How much of the lab manual do I need to provide?

Please provide the entire lab manual via campus mail to the RSPL.

How will I know when my application is approved?

After reviewing the application and preparing materials needed in the lab for your protocol, the RSPL Coordinator will contact you.

This contact may take the form of attending your study team's Protocol Implementation Meeting, a phone call or an informal, face-to-face dialog.

After all remaining issues are clarified, you will receive an e-mail confirming the RSPL's readiness to assist.

Contact Us

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