Research Support Units

Michigan Clinical Research Unit (MCRU)

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Facilities

Currently the MCRU has an extended stay unit with ten beds that are utilized for overnight research activities and high-intensity outpatients. We also have three outpatient facilities: a clinic located in the Med Inn, with seven "doctor's office" style clinical exam rooms; an extension in Lobby M at Domino's Farms; and an extension at the Ypsilanti Health Center.

MCRU may host investigators funded by federal, state, and local agencies, as well as those funded by the private sector. MCRU also serves as an institutional resource for investigators to perform pilot studies that may result in further agency funding.

MCRU builds on the success of the GCRC, the only one of 79 NIH-funded General Clinical Research Centers (GCRCs) to have been located in the State of Michigan. There were 197 active protocols during fiscal year 2006-2007, with 562 investigators participating in them. There were 1,547 adult and pediatric inpatient days; 7,257 outpatient visits; and 1,792 off-site research outpatient visits to our clinical research facilities during this time.

A New Model for Clinical Research:
The Michigan Clinical Research Unit (MCRU) is in the process of adding to its network of performance sites. The new model lessens the burden and time commitment for participants in clinical research.

Three new participant facilities are in the planning stages. A new Main Site is being planned for the lower level of the UM Cardiovascular Center (CVC) which will consolidate the extended stay facility on UH 7A and the outpatient facility in the Med Inn; occupancy is expected in early 2009. Two new outpatient facilities are being planned at the Burlington Center on East Eisenhower and at the Rachel Upjohn Building at the East Ann Arbor Health Center; these are expected to open in the summer of 2008.