Core Laboratory

The University Of New Mexico School Of Medicine includes a GCRC, one of approximately 75 located primarily at major US academic medical centers. The GCRC offers an environment that facilitates patient-oriented research by providing research nursing support, registered dietitians, data management and biostatistical support, sample processing, storage, dedicated analytical instruments. 

The UNM GCRC Core Laboratory located in SOM Medical Building 2 has been in continuous operation since 1975 and has been certified by the College of American Pathologists since 1983. Our rigid quality assurance accreditation includes annual site visits and participation in national proficiency surveys.

The mission of the GCRC Core Laboratory is to support peer-reviewed clinical investigation by providing the highest quality laboratory results and making these results available to investigators in a timely manner.

Tests that we perform

Go to the CTSC/GCRC webpage (http://hsc.unm.edu/som/gcrc/xLabAssays.shtml) for a complete listing of all tests performed by the Core Lab. We use outside laboratories to perform assays not performed in the Core Lab.  These tests can be performed at competitive pricing.

 

Specimen Processing Laboratory

The Specimen Processing Lab is located on 5 East in University Hospital which allows us to provide fast and efficient processing of all samples which are collected in the inpatient and outpatient units. Principal investigators can arrange to review their protocols and based on protocol requirements specimen collection procedures can de designed. Feel free to contact Tony Brazfield (505) 272-3619 or Chelsea Gregory (505) 272-8854 with questions regarding sample collection and processing.

 

Radioimmunoassay (RIA)/Special Chemistry/ELISA

We have developed a total of 30 different assays which can be run for GCRC studies. Factors which impact the selection of all assays are; cost effectiveness, unavailability of tests through send-outs to other laboratories, and control over a specific methodology. 

The GCRC/CTSC Core Laboratory performs various non-routine chemistry assays supported by the Immulite Instrument (chemiluminescence) and the ACE Chemistry Analyzer, ELISA assays are read on the Molecular Devices Plate Reader, and RIA assays are counted using the Cobra Gamma Counter.

 

Gas Chromatography/Mass Spectrometry Section

The General Clinical Research Center core laboratory is equipped with a Hewlett-Parkard 5972 series Mass Spectrometer/5890 Series II Plus Gas Chromatography equipped with an autosampler and an Agilent Technologies 5973N Mass Spectrometer/6890N Gas Chromatography equipped with an autosampler.

Mass Spectrometry and Gas Chromatography are powerful and versatile analytical techniques with a variety of applications. Currently they are used to analyze stable isotopes in tracer studies of metabolism. They can also be used to detect trace compounds in patient samples. If you have questions about what these instruments can do for you, feel free to contact Benita Brennan at  (505) 272-4449  

 

Contact Info:

David. S. Schade, MD

Core Laboratory Director

Phone (505) 272-4657

Email: DSchade@salud.unm.edu

Tony Brazfield

Core Laboratory Manager

Phone (505) 272-3619

Email: TBrazfield@salud.unm.edu