Pediatric Clinical Research Center

The Pediatric Clinical Research Center (PCRC) provides state-of-the-art research space and expertise to investigators conducting patient-oriented research at Seattle Children’s. Resources include facilities and equipment, as well as experienced staff who are trained in human subjects protection, good clinical practices, protocol implementation and compliance.

Clinical Services

PCRC staff work closely with investigators and study teams throughout the research study process. In addition to providing outpatient services, staff can conduct research activities in hospital areas including inpatient units and other specialty clinics.

Nursing

PCRC research nurses implement protocol-specific procedures and provide direct nursing care for patients enrolled in research studies.

Medical assistants

PCRC medical assistants (MAs) assist nurses in protocol-related procedures. This includes blood draws, vital signs, EKGs, measurements and specimen collection.

Facilities

  • Dedicated outpatient exam rooms
  • Weights/measurements room
  • Nourishment room
  • Secured medication room
  • Drop-in workstations for study teams
  • Conference room

Equipment and Supplies

  • BIA Analyzer System Quantum X
  • Biodynamics–body composition analyzer
  • Blanket warmers
  • Digital scales (infant and adult)
  • EndoPAT machine
  • Glucose monitoring (Roche AccuChek)
  • Grason-Stadler Auto Tymp for tympanomometry
  • Hydraulic hand dynamometer
  • In-floor scale
  • Infusion pumps
  • Length board
  • Oximeter
  • Oxygen and suction in each room
  • Projector and screen
  • Refrigerators and medication refrigerators
  • Spirometer
  • Stadiometer
  • TV/VCR/DVD players
  • Twelve-lead EKG machine with ability to download EKGs
  • Welch Allyn vital sign monitors in each exam room

Note: Study teams must provide their own special supplies that are not carried by the PCRC. All studies must supply participants’ meal tickets.

Research Navigator Support

The Research Navigator is a free resource for principal investigators (PIs) as part of the PCRC’s Participant and Clinical Interactions (PCI) initiative. The Research Navigator can help identify resources for research study start-up, help identify ways to improve enrollment and assist with internal academic award application.

Prior to IRB approval

  • Provide assistance in study design, protocol development and feasibility assessment.
  • Share resources for protocol development, biostatistics support, recruitment planning and study coordination.
  • Meet with PIs and/or study teams regularly during the study start-up process to help the team secure the correct services and resources.
  • Track resources utilized and time required for study start-up.
  • Evaluate data and use CPI to try to reduce study start-up time.

After IRB approval

  • Meet with PIs and/or study teams regularly after IRB approval to establish recruitment goals and timelines.
  • Help study teams track recruitment and identify delays so teams can be connected with the appropriate resources.
  • Establish study dashboards for enrollment tracking and process improvement.
  • Track recruitment milestones.
  • Assist with registering studies on ClinicalTrials.gov.
  • Provide templates and tools that create visibility concerning the progress of studies.

If you are interested in learning more about these free services, please email the Research Navigator.

Location and Hours of Operation

The PCRC is located on level 8 of Seattle Children's hospital campus with easy access to the ambulatory clinics.

  • Monday through Friday 7:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
  • Extended weekday and Saturday hours may be available upon request and approval. 

Contact the PCRC

Call 206-987-3897 or send us an email.