The CRC is a resource that provides a physical location and expertise in research nursing, bionutrition, child neuro-developmental testing, sample processing, exercise physiology, and DEXA support.

The CRC is available to UCSF faculty members in the Schools of Medicine, Nursing, Dentistry, and Pharmacy. In conjunction with research units at the VA Medical Center in San Francisco, Tenderloin CRC in San Francisco, Kaiser Division of Research in Oakland, and the Children's Hospital Oakland Research Institute, investigators may use the CRC services as well.

The CRC supports human-based translational research. Studies may involve either healthy volunteers or patients with specific diagnoses. We facilitate research in a broad area of medical disciplines including general internal medicine, internal medicine subspecialties, radiology, surgery, epidemiology, obstetrics, psychiatry, pediatrics and nursing.

Our submission schedule can be found on the CRC Advisory Committee Schedule page.

Yes. However all non-MD investigators such as PharmDs and PhDs must have an MD or Nurse Practitioner collaborator who will assume medical responsibility for the research participants. The CRC has two Nurse Practitioners on staff — one at SFGH, the other at the VA site.

Yes. There will be one review by the Advisory Committee. However, you will need to meet with the staff at each of the sites where you want to conduct your project.

Yes. The Advisory Committee will accept projects for review prior to or concurrent with the CHR approval process.

A CRC Protocol Utilization Form and CHR Full Committee Application (and approval if already obtained from CHR) are submitted to the CRC Protocol Manager who will coordinate the review by the CRC Advisory Committee. The investigative team works with the Protocol Manager during this process.

The application forms are available online on the CRC Download section.

If you have CHR approval, you may request administrative approval to start the project prior to full review by the Advisory Committee. This would only be considered if you would miss a rare research opportunity.

All protocol modifications and renewals must be submitted to the CHR and copied to the CRC for review. If a protocol undergoes a major modification that includes changes to the CRC resource utilization, a second presentation to the Advisory Committee may be required.

The research team contacts the CRC prior to making arrangements with the research participant to insure that space is available. Scheduling depends on the availability of beds, staffing, and equipment. Site-specific instructions will be provided in the CRC protocol approval letter issued to the investigator.

It is the responsibility of the principal investigator or appropriate designate to obtain informed consent from the research participant prior to the commencement of a study.

The physician investigator is responsible for the medical care of research participants. Arrangements for emergency care must be formalized before study implementation.

Yes. Industry pays for the use of the CRC facilities and staff. Investigators who need skilled nursing or other support are encouraged to contact the CRC Administrator to inquire about the costs and support available. A budget prepared by the CRC site Administrative Director that covers all the costs of the entire research proposal utilizing CRC resources (nursing, bionutrition, sample processing, exercise physiology ) must be approved by the Investigator and sponsor company prior to final approval.

Investigators are encouraged to contact the Administrative Director to determine if current CRC resources can cover the cost conducting their research.  However, there is a fee for the conduct of any industry-initiated project. View Rates for Industry Studies.

The CRC does not have funds to cover ancillary testing performed in departments such as the clinical laboratory testing or radiology.

Not necessarily.  Although it is ideal to have NIH or other funding, not all research projects have funding.  If a study requires intensive use of resources, Investigators may be asked to share in the cost of such resources that are over and above our basic core level of support.

Investigators may be asked to support the CRC by providing staff and/or funds to offset the cost of the study.