Clinical Laboratory & Biomarker Core

The overall goals of the JHUCFAR Laboratory core are to provide JHU HIV researchers, especially those new to HIV, with: a) world‐class laboratory expertise to assist in the optimal design of clinical studies where specialized laboratory assays are essential to measuring study outcomes, b) access to appropriate, validated and, where applicable, certified laboratory assays, c) biomarker specimen repository for the storage, cataloguing and testing of biological specimens, including access to the clinical data associated with those specimens, and d) training to match the needs of investigators ranging from understanding how to collaborate with laboratory investigators, incorporate laboratory tests in a clinical study, judge assay quality and readiness for use to actual performance of the assays in one’s own laboratory. The Core will establish mechanisms to enhance research in HIV prevention, treatment, and pathogenesis carried out by both new and established investigators at JHU through improved awareness of and access to the extensive laboratory resources within the institution and by establishing connections outside Johns Hopkins when needed. To this end, the Core will directly provide expert consultation and assay service focused in 4 major scientific areas—virology, immunology, pharmacology, and metabolomics—as well as providing access to both data and biological specimen repositories to advance science. Beyond these laboratories, the Core will establish best data management practices – from clinic to lab to data analysis – and facilitate connections and collaborations with a far broader array of core laboratories within JHU and in other CFARs nationally.