The Clinical core maintains and provides patient samples from a comprehensive and efficient Specimen Repository obtained from well-characterized patients for collaborative investigations involving multiple research disciplines. Contact the Clinical Core to have samples processed or obtain samples for research purposes. The following forms are required by investigators who need samples processed or to request samples for research purposes.

• The Core provides samples to young and established UAB investigators. The Core also provides samples to other CFARs and outside investigators to aid scientific research. More information regarding the policies for specimen/data collection, storage and access... please review: Clinical Core Policies/Procedures/Chargebacks and Database and Informatics Data Collection.

   Types of specimens available include:

   - Fresh blood

   - Plasma

   - Serum

   - Peripheral blood mononuclear cells

   - Mucosal secretions

   - Mucosal biopsies

   - Lymph node biopsies

   - Skin biopsies

• The Core provides plasmaphoresis and leukophoresis to CFAR members and network organizations in order to provide a greater volume of samples from a few patients with unique characteristics (e.g. long term nonprogressors).

The Clinical Core provides a Computerized Database and Informatics Service to store and access complex, interactive data to assist with study design and to conduct appropriate data analysis. (For more info: UAB 1917 Clinic Cohort website).

• The core works with young and established UAB investigators and well as outside researchers to provide data queries and identification of potential research subjects who meet clinical or scientific criteria for retrospective or prospective translational research studies.
• The Clinical core will collaborate with other CFARs and institutions in the form of computerized informatics and biostatistics expertise to assist with launching their own databases.