Preclinical Laboratory and Physician Training Services

The Rush Preclinical Catheterization Laboratory, or PCL, is the only laboratory located in a major Midwestern academic medical center with a complete GLP-compliant team. The facility offers researchers and industry sponsors the opportunity to perform preclinical research and receive physician trainings on new devices and advanced techniques. Below are descriptions of both our laboratory and physician training services.

Laboratory services

The Rush PCL offers a comprehensive menu of acute and prospective in-vivo studies, ex-vivo studies and vast animal model experience, enabling us to recreate a wide range of clinical situations. Our laboratory expert staff is available to provide the following services:

• Protocol, contract and budget development, including both standard templates and custom formats
• Animal procurement from qualified suppliers with an on-site husbandry facility
• Comprehensive study-reporting services with the same rigorous data recording and maintenance as contract research organizations
• A broad range of surgical and angiography capabilities
• Data analysis and manuscript writing
• A full range of histopathology services completed by board-certified veterinary pathologists

Physician training services

The Rush PCL team has vast experience training physicians, residents and fellows, and industry staff on using various catheters, devices and imaging techniques. Our training services include the following:

• Lecture and didactic instruction
• Individualized training with models
• Preclinical manipulation providing hands-on experience in the laboratory
• Faculty presentations
• Clinical case observations

Training agendas are also available. Our facility is available to be contracted on a half-day, full-day or multi-day basis. We offer competitive prices and customized packages.