Biomedical Consultation Services

The Biomedical Services core aids CPC projects in incorporating biomedical specimen collection and assays into their research. The extensive expansion of the field of biochemical and molecular assessment of health allows population researchers to use new indicators that can measure exposure to an adverse external agent, subclinical health effects or disease status, or innate susceptibility to health effects.

A wide range of population-related research issues can benefit from integrating biological assessment of human subjects, such as studies of perinatal, child, and reproductive health, aging, nutritional status, burden of disease, and evaluation of interventions. The linkage of these biological assessments with social and behavioral data provides a richer understanding of the interaction of biological and behavioral issues. This core facilitates the collaborations needed between laboratory scientists and behavioral scientists for interdisciplinary population research.

Consultation to CPC research projects is available when the research team is interested in collecting biological specimens to address their research aims.  The core also provides advice, referral, and updates and training in new developments in biomedical assessment and interpretation, along with advice about protocols for collection, storage, and management of specimens. The core is directed by John Thorp, CPC Fellow and obstetrician/gynecologist.