Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Who is eligible to use the PCIR resources?

PCIR resources are available to University of Alabama at Birmingham faculty and students for human subject studies that have current IRB approval.

2. What PCIR resources are available?

Free or low cost services are available for researchers, including inpatient beds on a limited basis, outpatient nursing, bionutrition services, and processing through Translational Technologies and Novel Methodologies (TTNM).

3. What kind of research can be done on the PCIR?

The PCIR supports human-based translational research. Studies may involve either healthy volunteers or participants with specific diagnoses. Research is facilitated in a broad area of medical disciplines including general internal medicine, internal medicine subspecialties, radiology, nutrition, surgery, epidemiology, obstetrics, psychiatry, pediatrics, and nursing.

4. Are non-MDs allowed to conduct studies in the PCIR?

Yes. However, all non-MD investigators such as PharmDs and PhDs must have an MD or Nurse Practitioner collaborator who will assume medical responsibility for the research participants.

5. What if there are revisions to the original approved protocol or consent?

All protocol modifications and renewals must be submitted to the IRB and copied to the PCIR for review. If a protocol undergoes a major modification that includes changes to the PCIR resource utilization, a second presentation to the PCIR Protocol Review Committee may be required.

6. Who obtains informed consent of the research participant?

It is the responsibility of the principal investigator or appropriate designee to obtain informed consent from the research participant prior to the commencement of a study. 

7. How is medical care provided on the PCIR unit?

The physician investigator, or physician for the study, is responsible for the medical care of research participants.  Arrangements for emergency care must be formalized before study implementation.

8. Does the PCIR have funds for ancillary testing?

No. The PCIR does not have funds to cover ancillary testing performed in departments such as clinical laboratory testing or radiology.

9. Can I conduct an industry-supported study on the PCIR?

Yes.  Industry pays for the use of the PCIR facilities and staff.  Investigators who need skilled nursing, bionutrition, or other support are encouraged to refer to the PCIR web site (provide link) for industry charges or contact Beth Parrish, Data Protocol Manager, at bmorton@uab.edu.