Testing Novel Interventions to Treat and Prevent COVID-19 at Fred Hutch

Testing Novel Interventions to Treat and Prevent COVID-19 at Fred Hutch

Methodology October 09, 2020

When the coronavirus pandemic hit the United States earlier this year, the nation’s top healthcare and infectious disease research institutions sprang into action. Researchers at Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center played a leading role in the international scientific response to the pandemic—tracking and modeling the virus’s global spread, developing diagnostic tests and monoclonal antibodies that neutralize the virus, designing and evaluating COVID-19 vaccines in early and late-phase clinical trials, and working to better understand how the human immune system can provide durable protection and prevent future outbreaks.

This fall, Fred Hutch opened the COVID-19 Clinical Research Center (CCRC), designed by ZGF. It’s one of the first stand-alone facilities in the nation designed to test novel interventions to treat and prevent SARS-CoV-2, the virus that causes COVID-19.

Working closely with Fred Hutch scientists and staff, the project team transformed 6,000 square feet of existing office space in the Minor Building on the center’s South Lake Union campus. The renovated facility provides a collaborative space for scientists and clinicians to partner with study volunteers, healthcare providers, research institutes, foundations and the biotech/pharmaceutical industry on observational and interventional clinical trials for COVID-positive participants.

The CCRC includes 11 private exam rooms with windowed doors for safe monitoring and large, open nursing stations. Additional design features ensure the clinic has the proper systems in place to serve its clinical population and to keep patients and staff safe:

  • Separated airborne precaution and clean areas, with air flow and filtration systems that meet or exceed standards in medical facilities, including dedicated air handling/circulation and HEPA filters for each enclosed room
  • Optimized navigation and separate entry/exits and restrooms for study participants
  • Dedicated parking for select study participants and in some cases, car services
  • Secure and restricted access to the facility
  • Appropriate PPE for all CCRC staff and participants with extensive cleaning and disinfecting protocols

The team also maximized the use of furniture as opposed to built-in casework—repurposing existing materials where possible—to provide the greatest flexibility as specific needs are identified or requirements change.

ZGF is proud to work with Fred Hutch and many other healthcare and research institutions on the front lines of researching, treating and preventing COVID-19.

For more information about the Fred Hutch CCRC and its current studies, please visit www.fredhutch.org/covidresearchcenter.