Alvarado Facilities

The SDSU HealthLINK Center will expand its services by establishing a Clinical Research Center, Bio-Behavioral and Human Performance Laboratory, Biomedical Wet Laboratory, and Technology Hub in SDSU Research Foundation managed space on Alvarado Road, conveniently located 1.2 miles northeast of the SDSU main campus. These facilities enhance our institutional capacity in basic biomedical, behavioral, and clinical research in minority health and health disparities.

	Clinical Research Center: The Clinical Research Center is the primary public-facing facility of the Center. With a waiting room and reception area, research participants coming to our facility will receive a warm welcome. This facility provides space for meetings with research participants, including two clinical exam rooms and additional rooms configurable for different research needs, such as focus groups, one-on-one interviews, or delivery of intervention sessions. There is an observation room equipped with a one-way mirror to observe participant interactions. Finally, a biospecimen collection room is capable to collect blood, urine, saliva, and other specimens.
	Bio-Behavioral and Human Performance Laboratory: The Bio-Behavioral and Human Performance Laboratory supports research on physical function, exercise, physical activity and sedentary behavior. The laboratory has a range of exercise and anthropometric testing equipment to measure body mass index (BMI), blood pressure, cardiovascular fitness, muscular fitness, and physical activity, in addition to a state-of-the-art Dual Energy X-ray Absorptiometry (DXA) machine to measure body composition and aspects of bone health. The laboratory has equipment and protocols to conduct bone health screening (e.g., osteoporosis risk), body composition assessments (e.g. muscle and fat mass), cardiovascular fitness (V02max and sub-max tests), muscular strength testing, mobility assessments, and metabolic functions.
	Biomedical Wet Laboratory: The Biomedical Wet Laboratory provides biospecimen analysis using molecular biology techniques and chemistry assays. The lab hosts equipment and personnel to process and store specimens (including ultra-low -80°C cold storage), and perform raw data analysis in order to produce the applicable refined data. Blood, urine and saliva are some of the biospecimens we store and analyze.
	Technology Hub: The Technology Hub supports information technology (IT) infrastructure and technological innovations. This facility explores how to integrate contemporary technology into research efforts, including but not limited to HIPAA-compliant server access, wireless sensors, ecological momentary assessment (EMA), and mobile and web application support.