Routine Validation and Reproducibility Testing of Laboratory Assays and Research Techniques Used for Endocrine, Cardiometabolic, and Musculoskeletal Disorder Research (VALD)

Summary

The purpose of this research study is to validate (check the accuracy of) laboratory assays, intravenous catheter insertion, and equipment or devices and their reproducibility, which is necessary to perform high quality research on chronic diseases, nutrition, and metabolism (the process by which a substance is handled in the body) at the University of Missouri. As technology changes and uses new testing methods, it is necessary to compare results from old tests, equipment and devices and new tests, equipment, or devices and the reproducibility of these measurements to make sure the results are accurate. Reproducibility means performing the same test more than once to see if the same results can be achieved each time. This study will look at the validation and reproducibility of tests and laboratory assays in participants who are healthy or affected by relevant endocrine, cardiometabolic, and musculoskeletal disorders.

Eligibility

Age range

18–100 years

Sex

All

Healthy volunteers

Yes

Interventions

• Other
  Endothelial cell collection

  Participants may opt to have testing performed including blood sampling, urine sampling, intravenous catheter placement with endothelial cell collection, oral glucose tolerance test, consuming a test meal, having imaging performed such as MRI, DEXA, MRS, having adipose (fat) or muscle biopsies, or non-invasive endothelial function testing to investigate use of different assays, different sample treatment approaches to determine optimal conditions that produce the most accurate and reproducible results, and/or repeat testing on different days or with different equipment that measures the same variable.

Location