Clinical and Translational Research Unit (CTRU)
Provides in-patient and out-patient clinical research units for research studies.
The Clinical and Translational Research Unit (CTRU) operates as an in-patient and out-patient clinical research unit that provides the following resources:
Facilities
- 4 Private and 8 Semi-private beds
- 7 Exam rooms
- 5 Phlebotomy areas
- 4 Infusion bays
- Dedicated cardiovascular testing room
- Dedicated exercise testing and training rooms
- Temperature-controlled room
- Sleep study room
- Metabolic kitchen
- Certified iv infusate prep room
- Body composition analysis (DEXA)
- Laboratory for sample processing and temporary storage
- Indirect calorimetry for assessment of energy expenditure
Staffing
The CTRU is staffed by Registered Nurses with AHA ACLS and IATA certification, Medical Assistants, Registered Dieticians, Diet techs, and DEXA technicians to assist investigators and study teams with clinical research protocol development and implementation.
In addition, ACRP-certified Clinical Research Nurse Coordinators and Research Patient Coordinators are available for hire through the Center for Clinical Studies (CCS). Please contact Teresa Arb at 314-747-1217 or arbt@wustl.edu in the CCS for more information.
Services
Nursing Support:
- Standard care and assistance with specialized procedures (e.g. arterial line maintenance, hyperinsulinemic-euglycemic clamp procedure, intravenous glucose tolerance test, muscle and adipose tissue biopsies, endoscopy, lumbar puncture, bronchoscopy, cardiovascular, neuromuscular, and exercise and physical function testing)
Body Composition Analysis by DEXA:
- Total and regional fat mass
- Total and regional fat-free mass
- Intraabdominal fat mass
- Bone mass and mineral density
Nutrition Services:
- Standard and precision meals and diets (inpatient and packed-out meals)
- Diet analyses
- Nutrition education
Neuromuscular, Exercise and Physical Function Testing and Training
- Muscle strength (Biodex System 4 dynamometer, weight machines, free weights)
- Endurance exercise (treadmills, cycle ergometers, elliptical machines)
- VO2 peak testing (treadmill/cycle ergometer and metabolic cart/indirect calorimeter )
- Cardiac stress testing
- Global physical performance
Vascular Testing
- Vascular compliance and arterial stiffness (SphygmoCor system)
- Endothelial function (EndoPat 2000)
- Carotid artery intima media thickness (ultrasound)
Sleep Studies
- Compumedics Grael PSG/EEG with video monitoring
- Alice PDx portable sleep diagnostic system
- See the CTRU Sleep Service Request form (doc) for more information
Ultrasound
- Phillips Epiq7
Energy Metabolism and Lifestyle Monitoring
- Metabolic carts
- Activity and sleep monitors
- Smart scales
- Continuous glucose monitoring
Brown Adipose Tissue Studies
- Cold suit
24 hours/day, beginning at 6 am Monday until 7pm on Friday. If additional hours are needed, please contact the CTRU Nurse Manager, Lisa Menneke, RN at 314-362-8144 or lmenneke@wustl.edu
Send an email to CARSadvisorycommittee@wustl.edu to request information about services that are currently offered or download and submit the CTRU Application Form (doc). or
Submit a “CTRU Modification Form (doc)“, if applicable.
Service available to: All entities, including for-profit organizations. Priority given to ICTS members.
CTRU Team
Samuel Klein, MD, Medical Director
Dominic Reeds, MD, Medical Director
Gordon Smith, PhD, CTRU Director
Lisa Menneke, RN, Nurse Supervisor
314-362-8144
lmenneke@wustl.edu
Location
Center for Outpatient Health,
5th Floor, Suite 510
4901 Forest Park Ave.,
St. Louis, MO 63108