The goal of the BioPhysical Laboratory is to facilitate the integration of biomarkers into faculty and student research and scholarship through the availability of research laboratory space and equipment, provision of services, consultation, and training. The specific objectives of the lab are:

• To provide core laboratory resources for funded faculty and student research that includes storing and managing biologic samples for downstream applications, such as genotyping, other molecular assays or biochemical assays.
• To provide training experiences for undergraduate and graduate students with an interest in the impact of biologic factors on phenomena for which nurses intervene.

Resources

The WSU CON Biophysical Laboratory is located on on the lower level of the Cohn Building. The laboratory consists of a Research Participant Data Collection room, Research Participant Waiting Area and the Main Wet Laboratory.

Research Participant Data Collection Room and Waiting Area

The Research Participant Data Collection Room is a 72-square-foot space located next to the Main Wet Lab and is outfitted with a sink with running hot and cold water; cupboards; counter space; phlebotomy chair; and equipment to obtain blood pressure, temperature, and basic anthropometric measures. The Research Participant Waiting Area is a 49-square-foot space adjacent to the data collection room and separated by a door. The waiting area has comfortable seating with direct access to the hallway and restrooms.

Main Wet Laboratory

The Main Wet Laboratory occupies one room in the lower level of the Cohn Building with an overall size of approximately 1,160 square feet. The Wet Laboratory is a state-of-the-art facility specifically designed to provide the space and equipment necessary to store and manage biological samples for downstream biochemical (e.g. radioimmunoassays [RIA], enzyme-linked immunoabsorbant assays [ELISA], and high-performance liquid chromatography [HPLC]) and molecular assays. The laboratory is completely equipped for molecular biology and protein analysis techniques, including but not limited to, a Flexar Quartenary LC Platform (Perkin Elmer, Waltham MA), 2910 TR TriCarb Liquid Scintillation Counter (Perkin Elmer), Wizard 2 Automatic Gamma Platform (Perkin Elmer), and an Aquamax Plate Washer and Versamax Plate Reader (Molecular Devices, Sunnyvale CA). Other equipment includes a Bayer DCA 2000 for HgbA1C analysis, a refrigerated tabletop centrifuge (Allegra 21R, Beckman Coulter, Pasadena CA), water baths, vortex mixers, pH meter, and electronic balance. In addition, the laboratory is equipped with a built-in stainless steel sink, extensive bench and counter space, running hot and cold water, a water purification system (PureLab Option Q Water System), fume hood, radioactive hood (Mott Manufacturing, Ontario CA), bio safety cabinet, fire extinguisher, and emergency shower and eyewash. Biologic sample and reagents are stored and managed using a commercial refrigerator, a large capacity non frost-free -20 degree freezer, and a large capacity -80 degree freezer. 

Services

Biologic sample processing, management and storage

In the BioPhysical Laboratory, we have the capacity to receive, process, manage and store biologic samples,such as blood, saliva and urine to fit the needs of a specific study. Biologic samples for ongoing studies are stored in a -20 degree freezer. Back-up samples and archival samples are stored in a -80 degree freezer. We can process and store samples for downstream applications in the BioPhysical Laboratory or to help you interface with other WSU core facilities (e.g. Applied Genomics Technology Center, Proteomics Core, Lipidomics Core). 

Biochemical assays

Currently, the biochemical laboratory has the capacity to measure a variety of biomarkers, including hormones (e.g. cortisol, ghrelin, ACTH, estradiol, progesterone, testosterone); neurochemicals (e.g. epinephrine, norepinephrine, serotonin, melatonin); and markers of immune function (e.g. C-reactive protein, IL-1β, IL-6, and other cytokines). The primary biochemical methods used to measure these biomarkers include radioimmunoassay (RIA), enzyme-linked immunoabsorbance assay (ELISA) and high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC).

BioPhysical Laboratory hours of operation

Access to the laboratory is arranged on a project-by-project basis. Contact the lab director for details.

Contact us

Researchers interested in BioPhysical Laboratory use or services must consult with the lab director for guidance on service availability, costs and general operating procedures. No research in the BioLab can begin before this consultation occurs. Also consult with the lab director if, as a PI (faculty and student), you wish to include BioPhysical Laboratory use and or services in a research proposal.

Please download and complete the Biophysical Laboratory Inquiry Form to assist in this process.

Director, BioPhysical Laboratory

Debra L. Schutte, PhD, RN, FAAN
Professor and Associate Dean for Faculty Affairs
Office: 230 Cohn
Phone: 313-577-4481

Policies and procedures

The following policies and procedures have been developed to:

• Provide all users with a productive and safe experience in a biosciences laboratory environment.
• Assist faculty and students with the successful integration of biomarkers into their programs of research.
• Protect and maintain costly equipment in order to best facilitate research and scholarship.

General policies

1. In accordance with the WSU Office of Environmental Health and Safety, absolutely no food or beverages are allowed in the BioPhysical Lab.
2. All doors to the Biophysical Lab and Research Participant Data Collection Room must remain closed at all times. The doors cannot be propped open.
3. Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) are to be used in the lab as indicated by the specific procedure.
4. All users of the BioPhysical Lab are responsible for completing the appropriate OEHS Lab Safety training as directed by the BioPhysical Lab Director. Safety training must be completed before any lab work begins.
5. All users of the BioPhysical Lab must be trained on the individual pieces of equipment and protocols before any lab work begins.
6. All users of the BioPhysical Lab are expected to display courteous and professional conduct.

Hazardous waste disposal

1. All lab users (Students and Faculty) are responsible for completing Hazardous Waste training in accordance with the Office of Environmental Health and Safety.
2. All lab users (Student and Faculty) are responsible for properly disposing of sharps and other biohazards in appropriate containers.
3. BioLab staff are responsible for ensuring adequate disposal space in the red biohazard bins and wall-mounted containers.
4. All lab users (Student and Faculty) are responsible for communicating any full red biohazard bins to the BioLab personnel.