Clinical Services: Facilities

Inpatient and Outpatient Research Units

As a vital infrastructure hub, the CCTS Clinical Research Unit (CRU) centralizes services to foster an ideal setting for controlled clinical investigations, encompassing NIH-funded, industry-sponsored, and investigator-initiated clinical trials. Since its inception in 2008, the CRU has been instrumental in forging strong partnerships between basic and clinical scientists, expediting the translation of research into practical applications.

A research nurse prepares a tray of medical implements in preparation to perform a biopsy.

Note: The Clinical Research Unit (CRU), currently housed within the Center for Clinical and Translational Science (CCTS) and UK HealthCare enterprise, is transitioning to the Ben F. Roach building within the Markey Cancer Center. The inpatient unit has already moved and the outpatient unit will move in Fall 2025.
 

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Our cutting-edge facilities are designed to support Phase I-IV drug and medical device trials for both adult and pediatric populations, as well as investigator-initiated human subject research. The co-location of inpatient and outpatient units, combined with the integration of UK HealthCare clinical staff and CCTS personnel under the guidance of the Clinical Operations Director, will enhance the CRU’s capacity to deliver innovative, expert support for a growing number of translational science trials in fiscal year 2026.

 

Inpatient Research Facilities 

A sterile field tray of tools for a medical biopsy, such as syringes, forceps, and gauze.

In November 2024, the JCHAO-approved inpatient clinical operations unit moved to a dedicated 20,000-square-foot facility in the Ben F. Roach building. Approximately half of this space—10,000 square feet—is devoted to inpatient facilities. 

Each of the 12 inpatient rooms has: 

  • supplied oxygen and vacuum suctioning
  • limited patient monitoring
  • Stryker beds
  • large flat screen TV’s
  • Hillrom nursing call system
  • a couch that converts to a single bed and a reclining chair. 

The inpatient research unit also includes: 

  • an ACLS code cart
  • two 12-lead EKG machines
  • PCA pump
  • electric surgical bed and light
  • a procedure room
  • an iDXA scanner
  • exercise physiology room with a treadmill, exercise bike and metabolic cart
  • a behavioral science room
  • a kitchen to prepare limited protocol-driven participant meals
  • Pyxis medication dispensing system
  • a pneumatic tube system
  • dedicated provider workroom with four workstations
  • a laboratory equipped with multiple refrigerated centrifuges, access to dry ice, and a -80°C and a -20C freezer for specimen storage.

Outpatient Research Facilities

Lobby of the Clinical Research Unit. A clerk sits behind a wooden reception counter. Exam rooms are in the background.

In fall of 2025, the outpatient clinical operations unit will also relocate to the remaining space in the Markey Cancer Center.

This area will feature:

  • a reception and participant registration area

  • 8 exam rooms with exam tables, infusion recliner chairs and large flat screen TVs

  • a stadiometer

  • a dedicated procedure room with a procedure table and light

  • a provider workroom with multiple workstations

  • a nurse’s station and break room

  • Pyxis system

  • a pneumatic tube system

  • a large conference room

  • a coordinator suite

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