Diet histories with accompanying nutrient analysis can be obtained. The research dietitian is also skilled in anthropometric measurements, diet instructions, and nutrition assessment. The research dietitian should be consulted for study design prior to protocol implementation. At the present time the Core laboratory is primarily devoted to radioimmunoassays. The Core laboratories will develop new assays for investigators but is required to provide such services for at least three different investigators.
Body composition analyses, DEXA-based bone density, and soft tissue composition is also available.
Services include secure data access, storage, retrieval, backup, archiving, database design, implementation, and management, statistical analysis and interpretation, and consultation for computing needs in all aspects of data acquisition and retrieval, including results presentation and publication. All GCRC protocols are reviewed by Dr. Fisch prior to implementation to ensure appropriate study design. Research on the GCRC is not limited to any particular area of research, and the GCRC welcomes research protocols in any area of biomedical research. Protocols that are devoted to the study of either normal volunteers or ill patients ranging in age from post-adolescence to the elderly are welcome. GCRC resources are normally used in conjunction with an investigator's independent research program that may be supported by either NIH or other non-profit funding agencies but are also available to unfunded investigators or those receiving support from other core resources.