Core Facilities
We Combine Expertise and Technology to Enable Health Research
BC Children’s Hospital is home to several core facilities that combine technical expertise and state-of-the-art equipment to enable basic, clinical, and applied health research.
BCCHR researchers use the core facilities to perform cutting-edge analysis of DNA, proteins, and cells, enabling research that contributes to improved clinical practices and furthers scientific understanding of the mechanisms of disease. Using a collaborative, efficient, and team-based approach, our core facilities are also available to the external research community.
Analytical Core for Metabolomics and Nutrition (ACMaN)
The Analytical Core for Metabolomics and Nutrition (ACMaN) has advanced analytical capabilities using mass spectrometers, high-performance liquid chromatographs, gas chromatographs, automated immunoanalyzers, and basic lab equipment such as spectrophotometers and osmometers.
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BC Children’s Hospital BioBank
The aim of the BC Children’s Hospital BioBank is to provide researchers with high-quality samples obtained from patients in an ethical manner. Patients give their consent for their samples to be used in research projects.
learn moreBC Children’s Hospital MRI Research Facility
The BC Children’s Hospital MRI Research Facility is one of Canada’s top centres for pediatric brain mapping and imaging sciences research. Together, with our child-friendly MRI simulator, the MRI Research Facility provides an excellent platform for performing research studies on babies and young children.
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BCCHR Flow Cytometry Core
Flow cytometry is a powerful technology used for characterizing and analyzing cells. The BCCHR Flow Cytometry Core provides state-of-the-art equipment for flow cytometric analysis, full-service cell sorting, as well as training and dissemination.
learn moreBCCHR Histology Core
The BCCHR Histology Core offers tools for processing delicate and valuable tissue samples using state-of-the-art automated equipment for tissue processing, paraffin embedding, micro-sectioning, and staining.
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BCCHR Imaging Core
The BCCHR Imaging Core provides a full range of biological imaging solutions for life sciences research. The facility has been in operation for over 12 years providing training, consultation, and guidance to researchers ranging from sample preparation to data analysis.
learn moreCentre for Molecular Medicine and Therapeutics (CMMT)
The CMMT is equipped with state-of-the-art technology and core facilities, including the BioAnalyzer Core Facility, DNA Sequencing Facility, Science Stores, Mouse Animal Production Facility (MAPS) and Transgenic Facility.
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Gut4Health
The Gut4Health core offers sequencing and analysis of microbial communities for various research studies, including basic science using in vitro or in vivo models, IND-enabling studies, clinical, translational, and epidemiological projects.
learn moreTissue and Disease Modeling Core
The Tissue and Disease Modelling Core (TDMC) offers rapid generation of induced pluripotent cells (iPSCs) from patient blood samples and editing of the genome of these iPSCs, as well as training to users on the proper culture of pluripotent cells and their differentiation towards various lineages.
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Recent News
Learn more about how the latest innovations and technology in health research are helping researchers transform the lives of kids in BC and around the world.
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Research supports BC families in building healthy habits to prevent childhood obesity
Read moreUnhealthy eating patterns, low physical activity, and a lot of sedentary or screen-related habits are linked to childhood obesity risk, which can lead to elevated blood pressure, sleep problems, orthopedic issues, and mental health challenges. Obesity-prevention resources that only focus on providing information often fall short because many families already know the basics. The biggest…
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First-in-world BC patient successfully treated for rare immune disease
Read moreA new paper published in New England Journal of Medicine details how an 18-year-old patient being treated at BC Children’s Hospital (BCCH) for a rare disease called chronic granulomatous disease (CGD) became the first person ever to receive and be cured by a gene modification treatment known as “Prime Editing.”
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Prescribing ice cream and countering misinformation: Q&A with Dr. Alastair McAlpine
Read moreBorn and raised in Johannesburg, Dr. Alastair McAlpine, a researcher with the Vaccine Evaluation Center (VEC) at BC Children’s Hospital Research Institute (BCCHR), is passionate about pediatric palliative care and infectious diseases. He received his medical training in South Africa, but limited vacancies to pursue a specialization in his desired field brought him to Vancouver. After meeting a…
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