Core Facilities and Platforms

Clinical Investigation Unit (CIU)

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CIU Nurses providing care

Our Purpose

The Clinical Investigation Unit (CIU) provides a dedicated clinical environment to support the safe, consistent delivery of clinical trial procedures, with a strong focus on patient safety and data integrity.

Overview

The CIU is a 9-bed clinical research facility located at The Ottawa Hospital’s General Campus and operates as part of the Clinical Trials Services Office (CTSO). It offers specialized clinical research procedure support for study teams conducting clinical trials, supported by structured processes.

Staffed by specialized research nurses, the CIU delivers protocol required procedures during participant visits, biospecimen collection and processing, and visit level safety monitoring within a controlled clinical setting. Clinical staff provide direct care throughout each visit ensuring consistent and reliable execution of study procedures.

The CIU supports both industry sponsored and investigator initiated studies across all phases of clinical trials (Phase I–IV), including complex pharmacokinetic studies. All activities are conducted in accordance with International Council for Harmonisation (ICH) Good Clinical Practice (GCP) guidelines, applicable regulations and institutional Standard Operating Procedures.
 

How we support your study

CIU services are tailored to each study’s protocol requirements and delivered in close collaboration with study teams. The activities below outline the types of support available.

Support includes review of CIU-relevant protocol sections, manuals, and visit-day documentation, preparation of the CIU Service Plan, staff training, supply and equipment readiness, and coordination of CIU space and staffing based on approved visit schedules.

Specialized research nurses deliver protocol-required procedures during CIU visits, including, but not limited to, vital signs, ECGs, investigational product administration, and participant monitoring. CIU research nurses have specialized training to support the safe delivery of chemotherapy and biologic therapies when required by the study protocol.

Trained CIU staff support protocol-required blood and urine collection, time-sensitive or multi-timepoint sampling, sample documentation, and on-site processing and shipment preparation when immediate handling is required.

Access to clinical space embedded within a hospital setting, including 9 private patient rooms (including a negative pressure-room), a lab for time-sensitive sample processing, clinical equipment, and hospital-based resources to support safe and efficient study visits.

Request CIU services

To request CIU services please complete the CTSO Intake Form* with key study details such as protocol information, visit requirements, timelines, and any relevant documents. 

  • The intake form helps us understand your study’s needs so we can best support your team. 
  • The CIU will review the request and develop a Service Plan outlining the proposed scope of support, roles and responsibilities, and cost recovery. 
  • We encourage submission as early as possible, ideally before REB submission, to support timely review and capacity planning.

*available to internal teams only

For Patients – Visiting the CIU

Your experience in the Clinical Investigation Unit (CIU) will depend on the specific study you are participating in. Before your visit, your study team will review the details of your appointment, including timing, procedures, and any specific instructions.

In general, you can expect:

  • A check-in with our staff when you arrive
  • Care from trained clinical research nurses throughout your visit
  • Study-related procedures (such as assessments, blood samples, or treatments) based on your study protocol
  • Ongoing monitoring to support your comfort and safety during your time with us

Some visits may be short, while others may require you to stay with us for several hours. Our team will ensure you are supported throughout your visit.

To help make your visit as comfortable as possible, you may wish to bring:

  • A water bottle
  • Snacks or a meal if your visit will be longer (a microwave and small fridge are available)
  • Personal comfort items such as a blanket
  • A book, laptop, or other items to help you rest or stay occupied

You are welcome to have an adult accompany you during your visit.

The Clinical Investigation Unit (CIU) is located on the 4th floor of the General Campus main building at The Ottawa Hospital. When you arrive at the hospital:

  • Take the elevators to the 4th floor
  • Follow the signs for the Clinical Investigation Unit (CIU)

If you are unsure where to go, hospital staff at the information desk can help direct you.

Volunteer for research with the CIU

If you'd like to learn more about volunteering for research with the Clinical Investigations Unit fill out an online form.

Contact us

For questions about CIU services, please contact:

Nancy Tremblay, Senior Program Manager, Clinical Investigation Unit

613-737-8811

613-737-8696

CIU@toh.ca

Box 223b, 501 Smyth Rd, Ottawa, ON, K1H 8L6

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