Prevention Center

Supporting Population-Based Prevention Research Since 2004 

The Prevention Center shared resource (PCSR) was founded with the goal of facilitating transdisciplinary, collaborative research focused on the prevention and mitigation of disease.  Since 2004, over one-hundred studies have used the Prevention Center services in the conduct of exercise interventions, nutrition interventions, or prevention-based clinical interventions.  The facility offers well-trained, specialized staff and an inviting space for study participants to participate in population-based research.

The Prevention Center consists of a state of the art Exercise Research Center (ERC), a Human Nutrition Laboratory (HNL) and a Research Clinic.  


Research Clinic

The research clinic is available for investigators to conduct interviews, collect medical histories, perform physical exams or obtain biospecimens. A trained and experienced Physician Assistant is available to support the study team in performing medical assessments and specimen collection procedures.  Clinic staff are further available to assist with data collection procedures, blood draws, interviewing and DXA imaging for bone density or body composition. Our on-site pharmacy is available for storage and dispensing of FDA-approved study pharmaceuticals and investigational dietary supplements.

Each research study is unique and may require a unique combination of procedures. The Prevention Center staff is available to answer questions and support the development of new protocols and their service requirements. Prevention Center procedures are available for review by clients inquiring about laboratory and facility services.

Research Clinic Services

Phlebotomy

Includes all supplies necessary for blood draw by venipuncture.

Specimen Processing

Simple processing including centrifugation, aliquoting, labeling, mapping and short-term storage of plasma and serum samples.  More complex processing can be serviced by the Specimen Processing Lab Shared Resource.

Freezer maintenance

Daily temperature tracking and verification and deicing as needed.

Anthropometrics Measurements

 All performed according to protocol, including height/weight, breast circumference, chest circumference, waist/hip circumference, heart rate, and blood pressures.

Screening Physical Exams

Basic cardio/pulmonary, abdominal, musculoskeletal, neurological and vascular assessments.

BIA and DEXA Imaging

BIA measurements using RJL Systems Bioeletric Impedance Analyzer and Lunar iDXA for bone density, body composition or breast density measurements.

  • Lunar iDXA
  • Secured Pharmacy Room
  • Digital Platform Scale with handrail
  • 6 exam rooms
  • 4 interview rooms
  • 1 classroom with audio/visual equipment (16 person capacity)
  • Specimen processing lab:
    • Two refrigerated centrifuges
    • Two vortex mixers
    • Mettler scale
    • Ventilation hood area
    • -40 degree holding freezer and -80 degree holding freezers
  • Phlebotomy room

Human Nutrition Laboratory

Experienced staff provide wraparound support to feeding studies per specific study protocols. This includes study menu design, recipe development, food preparation, packaging and delivery or on-site meal service, as well as study participant management.

Studies investigate the relationship between nutrition and disease process or biomarkers of disease. Meals are prepared in a custom-designed, fully equipped, commercial-grade kitchen and can be eaten onsite, packaged for takeout in rolling carts, or shipped via mail for locally recruited studies.

Nutrition Laboratory Services

Controlled Feeding Studies

Includes menu planning, recipe development, study diet calculations, food preparation, monitoring of all aspects of food service for feeding studies. Participants can eat at the center and/or take meals home.

Behavioral Interventions

Experienced and research-trained Registered Dietitian Nutritionists provide support for behavioral change interventions using evidence-based techniques such as motivational interviewing, cognitive behavioral therapy or acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT) per study protocols.

Community Based Interventions

Includes menu planning, recipe development and preparation of food samples that are served off-site.

  • Hot and cold meal prep areas
  • 6 microwaves
  • Convection oven
  • 6 burner gas range
  • Mettler metric scales
  • Dining room (seats up to 36)
  • Serving area with steam table
  • Reach through refrigerators
  • Walk in freezer and refrigerator
  • Large dry storage pantry
  • ProNutra software for menu development and nutrient analysis

Exercise Research Center

A growing body of evidence shows that exercise plays a key role in preventing cancer. Through the exercise research center, researchers can conduct studies to better understand the relationship between exercise and carcinogenesis, and to help people adopt healthier lifestyles to reduce risk.

Study participants can access a state-of-the-art exercise research facility with treadmills, recumbent and upright bikes, elliptical trainers, rowing ergometers and strength training equipment. Locker and shower facilities are also on-site.

Experienced staff work with researchers to track participants using some of the latest technology, such as the MGC Diagnostics Pulmonary Exercise System with Combined 12-Lead ECG for breath-by-breath testing. In addition to the exercise facility, education activities can be held in a large multi-purpose room.

Exercise Research Center Services

Cardiopulmonary Exercise Testing

Cardiopulmonary Exercise Testing (CPET) can be completed on a treadmill or a Lode Corival cycle ergometer with electromagnetic braking system. The MGC Diagnostics Ultima Cardio2 pulmonary exercise system combines gas-exchange technology with 12-lead Mortara ECG for an all-in-one gold standard metabolic stress-testing system.

Exercise Training

The 4,378 square-foot Exercise Research Center utilizes state-of-the-art PRECOR and Concept II aerobic exercise machines in addition to CYBEX strength training systems and other tools for exercise training. The ERC was designed specifically for exercise interventions, and exercise physiologists provide high-quality hands-on instruction for safe and effective exercise training.

Other Exercise Testing Services

Exercise Research Center staff conduct a variety of exercise and pulmonary function tests, including tests for muscular strength and endurance, resting metabolic tests, and pulmonary function tests including diffusing capacity for carbon monoxide (DLCO).

  • 7 PRECOR treadmills
  • 2 Quinton treadmills
  • 5 PRECOR recumbent bikes
  • 2 PRECOR upright bikes
  • 9 PRECOR Elliptical Trainers
  • 3 Concept II rowing ergometers
  • 6 CYBEX strength-training machines that work all of the major muscle groups
  • Audio/visual connection per machine for either 4 televisions or 4 music channels
  • There are male and female locker room facilities, which include showers and day lockers.

Directions and More Information

Prevention Center Map

How to Find Us

We’re located in the Arnold Building of the Robert W. Day Campus in the South Lake Union neighborhood of Seattle.

For directions, parking and public transportation information, download the Driving Directions to Wellness and Prevention Centers map.

If you need additional information, email us at prevcent@fredhutch.org or call us at 206.667.5416.

For additional information on Prevention Center usage, operational status, and scheduling information, please join the Microsoft Teams space established for Prevention Center clients, or set up a meeting with the Prevention Center Administrator Matt Van Doren at mvandore@fredhutch.org to discuss services and usage.

Contact Us

Exercise Research Center

Matt Van Doren, BS, BA
Phone: 206.667.7915
Fax: 206.667.1254
Work Location: Arnold Building, ME-B143

Human Nutrition Laboratory

Lisa Harper, MS, RD
Phone: 206.667.5034
Fax: 206.667.1254
Work Location: Arnold Building, ME-B143

Research Clinic

Anne Konchan, ARNP
Phone: 206.667.2831
Fax: 206.667.1254
Work Location: Arnold Building, ME-B143