Epidemiology Clinical Research Center (ECRC)

The University of Minnesota’s Epidemiology Clinical Research Center (ECRC) is located on the corner of Washington Avenue South and 11th Avenue South. It is walking distance from the Epidemiology and Community Health’s Division offices in the West Bank Office Building (WBOB).

The ECRC is designed to study human subjects in a clinical research setting. It is devoted to the highest quality science and to research relevant to the health of the public. Central to its mission is the respect and protection of experimental subjects by ECRC trained professional staff.

This facility was developed to meet the diverse needs and projects of the Division of Epidemiology and Community Health (EpiCH), and its colleagues throughout the Academic Health Center (AHC). It is operated collaboratively to accommodate a regular turnover of projects and Principal Investigators (PIs).

Since the ECRC opened its doors in 2000, the clinic has become home to an array of studies with nearly 1,000 participant visits per month. The studies housed at the ECRC work to conduct groundbreaking research on cardiovascular disease, osteoporosis, diabetes, late onset hypogonadism, sleep disorders, and obesity.

In addition to the participant examination and interview rooms at the ECRC, clinic space is utilized to perform a number of measurements which include electrocardiograms, blood pressure, cognitive testing, pulmonary function, carotid ultrasounds, echocardiograms, bone densitometry, treadmill testing, retinal photography, and diet and exercise intervention evaluations.

The ECRC has a laboratory and draw room where blood samples are collected, processed and stored for future testing or sent to specialized laboratories.

Some population based research studies at the ECRC have been following participants for as long as 25 years. The staff, coupled with their dedication to research and good clinical practice, are the key elements to the success of the ECRC and its studies.

Directions

North Metro Area:
– Take 35 W South toward downtown Minneapolis
– Take the Washington Ave.
Exit (#17C)
– Turn right onto Washington Ave. (at the top of the ramp)
– Go Two blocks to 11th Ave. S and turn right
– Turn right into the parking lot

East Metro Area:
– Take 94 West toward downtown Minneapolis
– Take Exit 234 B: 5th St. Exit, stay to the right
– Turn right onto 11th Ave. S.
– Follow 11th Ave. S. and cross Washington Ave. S.
– Turn right into the parking lot

South Metro Area:
– Take 35 W. North toward downtown Minneapolis
– Take Exit 17C: 3rd St. /U of M West Bank route (Middle lane)
– At the end of the ramp, turn left onto Washington Ave. S.
– Continue two blocks to 11th Ave. S., turn right
– Turn right into the parking lot

Northwest Metro Area:
– Take 94 East toward downtown Minneapolis
– Go through the Lowry Tunnel and follow 35 W North
– Take Exit 17C : 3rd St./U of M West Bank, route (Middle lane)
– At the end of the ramp, turn left onto Washington Ave. S.
– Continue two blocks to 11th Ave. S., turn right
– Turn right into the parking lot

West Metro Area:
– Take 394 East toward downtown Minneapolis
– Take 94 East toward downtown Minneapolis
– Go through the Lowry Tunnel and follow 35 W North
– Take Exit 17C : 3rd St./U of M West Bank, route (Middle lane)
– At the end of the ramp, turn left onto Washington Ave. S.
– Continue two blocks to 11th Ave. S., turn right
– Turn right into the parking lot

MSP Airport:
– Start out going North on Glumack Dr.
– Take Glumack Dr. toward Ticketing/Checking-In
– Merge onto MN-5 E toward MN-55/St. Paul/Minneapolis
– Merge onto MN-55 W toward MN-62/Minneapolis
– Take Exit 17C: 3rd St./U of M West Bank, route (Middle Lane)
– At the end of the ramp, turn left onto Washington Ave. S.
– Continue two blocks to 11th Ave. S., turn right
– Turn right into the parking lot

Parking:

Park in Visitor’s Parking. Proceed to the 2nd floor, Suite 201. Inform the receptionist that you have an appointment. (If the door to Suite 201 is locked, ring the bell for assistance.)

Link to MapQuest