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General Clinical Research Center (GCRC)
Research Centers (General)General Clinical Research Center (GCRC)Information for Your GCRC Visit

Information for Your GCRC Visit

Your Contribution to Research

Your participation in a clinical research study is important to the advancement of medical knowledge and patient care. Because of the willingness of individuals like you, new knowledge is gained that may lead to therapies and technologies that will impact the health of future generations. We hope that your visit in the GCRC will be an educational as well as a rewarding experience.

Nursing

Registered Nurses and Patient Care Technicians (PCT) support researchers by carrying out blood draws, giving medicines, checking heart rate and rhythm, and doing many other tasks. The nurses and PCTs carefully check each participant's response to research study procedures and medications to ensure your safety. The Nurse Manager, Jennifer Marron, directs the nursing activities of the outpatient and inpatient GCRC.

Nutrition

Some studies require that you fast (go without food) before your visit. Usually this means that you should not eat or drink anything but water for the 8-12 hours before your visit. The study coordinator will give you exact instructions about the timing of your fast and any other restrictions about beverages, medications and smoking during the fast. The GCRC provides snacks for participants after fasting. Meals also are provided for participants who must spend long periods of time in the GCRC. Food is not provided for family members or other guests.

Participant Duties

To help us better serve you and our research teams, we request that you:

  • Please arrive on time.
  • Sign in when you get here so we will know who you are here to see.
  • Sign out before you leave so that we will know how long you have been here.
  • Feel free to ask questions.

Length of Your Visit

The time you spend in the GCRC depends on the particular study in which you are involved. It could be anywhere from 15 minutes to 12 hours or more. Your study coordinator will tell you what time to report to the GCRC. If you have any questions related to your visit to the GCRC, please contact the Charge Nurse at 410-328-7648.

Confidentiality and Privacy

Information that the Health Care Team obtains about a study participant is private and cannot be told to others without the participant’s agreement. If you need to discuss a personal matter with your study coordinator or nurse, a private room will be provided.

Consent Form

If you have any questions pertaining to the consent form please direct your questions to the principal investigator, study coordinator, or the GCRC Research Subject Advocate.

Smoking Policy

Smoking is not allowed within any part of the Medical Center. A designated area for smokers is located outside the hospital.

What to Bring

If you are going to be in the GCRC for a long period of time, you may wish to bring a book or magazine. There may be a video player to watch TV or movies but be prepared to have something else to do in case the TV is being used.

Parking

Safe, convenient parking is available at the University of Maryland.Click here for complete directions and parking information.