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171 Ashley Ave.
Charleston, SC 29425
843-792-1414
800-424-MUSC


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General Pediatrics Research FAQs

FAQ's for our SPONSORS

Where do we recruit our participants from?

We work directly with the MUSC Pediatric Primary Care Clinic, which is located on the third floor of Rutledge Tower. Primary care has a patient base of approximately 8,000 patients. They see approximately 40-50 new patients per month, mostly newborns. Pre-schoolers are the largest active patient population but children up to the age of 18 are seen for their primary care. Our clinic sees approximately 60-80 patients per day. We also have two private satellite sites available as needs. We use local media and a campus wide e-mail system for advertisements.

Where do we keep our records?

The research department keeps a source document separate from the clinic's electronic records. Monitors have full access to clinic's electronic record for study monitoring purposes, once they are oriented to MUSC's security regulations and complete an orientation "checklist/test". A confidential access code will then be given to the monitor. For studies that are closed out, records are kept in the MUSC Long Term Storage Facility which is located off site. Records can be retrieved with 1-2 days notice.

Where will the monitors do their monitoring?

We have adequate comfortable space for our monitors to use with a phone, fax and copy machine nearby. We usually have a separate computer available if needed by the monitor.

When does our IRB meet?

Our IRB meets twice per month. We must have our documents submitted at least 3 weeks prior to the meeting. We are usually notified within 3-7 days of IRB approval status.

How do we handle lab specimens?

We are able to process our lab specimens in the primary care lab. We have FedEx, Airborne Express and UPS pickup at our building. We have a -20º freezer for storing specimens and we have access to a -70º freezer at the MUSC hospital.

Where do we store our study medications?

We have a separate secure storage area in our offices for study medications and supplies. We also have a locked medication refrigerator and freezer, as well as a -20º freezer strictly for study medications. Dry ice is accessible on an as needed basis or set up for routine delivery.

How do sponsors get to our site?

There are plenty of taxis and transport vehicles available at the Charleston International Airport. The driver will need to know that you are going to 135 Rutledge Avenue (Rutledge Tower). There are also rental cars available which are located just outside of the airport doors. Airport is approximately 15-20 minutes from our site.

Where do we recommend for our monitors to stay?

Embassy Suites (downtown - 800-362-2779)
Charleston Place Hotel (downtown - 800-611-5545)
Courtyard by Marriott (downtown - 800-321-2211)
or the Hilton (North Charleston or Mt. Pleasant - 888-856-0028)

For futher listings see the accommodations page.

Directions to our site from Downtown:

1. From almost any hotel in the downtown area, Calhoun Street will be easily accessible. Stay on Calhoun Street and turn right onto Ashley Avenue. 2. A parking garage will be on your right.


135 Rutledge Ave. Room 280
P.O. Box 250561
Charleston, SC 29425
Phone: (843) 876-0219
Fax: (843) 876-8709


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