Have you ever wondered how a clinical research center looks like? What makes it different from a typical hospital, or is there any difference at all? We sometimes see clinical research sites in movies and documentaries, but a lot of people have never actually set foot inside one. So how does it really look like?

Most clinical research centers usually have the same facilities, some varying only depending upon the research center’s specialization or sponsors’ requirements. You have the usual patient rooms and various laboratories, just like any other hospital. There are also operating rooms, special procedure rooms, examination rooms, protocol rooms, and an outpatient clinic.

Offices and administration facilities include conference rooms, a training venue, private rooms for conducting the Informed Consent process, individual offices for the clinical research investigators and the principal investigator, reception area and nurse’s station. Areas where patients are seen and research activities are conducted must be clean and well-organized, and examination rooms must comply with local, state and OSHA requirements. Waiting rooms must be comfortable and well-lit.

The storage area for investigational products is an important part of a clinical research facility. Most sponsors require that storage areas for investigational products must be locked and secured through limited access, keeping it out of the general way of clinical trial subjects and staff. This is to maintain safety and avoid both intentional and inadvertent tampering of the investigational products.

Careful thought must go into the planning of any clinical research facility. Research needs must be assessed to ensure that the facilities are functional, comfortable, and meet the basic requirements for most clinical trials. Just as with any health facility, the most important factors are the perfect blend of functionality and comfort; cleanliness and sanitation; organization; and compliance with state, federal, and other rules and regulations.