Clinical Laboratory Research

The Flow Cytometry Laboratory is involved in several IRB-approved research studies examining circulating immune cells in both infection and cancer.  We offer technical and professional interpretative services and work individually with researchers to design customized antibody panels.

Research in Microbiology and Molecular Diagnostics revolve around working with manufacturers to collect data on performance of new assays or instruments prior to their release on the market. One of the tests we have worked on detects methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus, or MRSA, without using culture. The test is designed for smaller hospitals that want increased sensitivity, but lack the ability to bring in molecular testing into their labs. Another type of research that the lab participates in is support of clinical trials of antibiotics; these studies require the lab to quickly identify isolates and patients that may qualify for the trials, and then maintain the organisms for special testing. Some of these new antibiotics are designed to treat organisms that are highly resistant to drugs currently on the market.

Finally, the lab provides specimens to basic science labs at University of Cincinnati College of Medicine for use in research designed to understand how certain microbes cause disease, so that infections can be avoided and better treatments designed.