Carmen Martinez gave an inspiring account of the development of an anthropometric core and an exercise-testing center after a shift in utilization of the USC GCRC. As a result of a decrease in GCRC utilization and census, her innovative and proactive response led to the creation of this anthropometric core that includes body measurements (calipers and tape measure), DEXA, and BIA. The core expanded to include an exercise testing facility using the Medgraphics CardiO2 System. After justification and purchase of a Hologic QDR 4500 DEXA machine, the number of protocols using DEXA has increased from 6 to 14.

Last year, the nutrition department performed >500 DEXA scans. Justification for purchase of equipment was assisted by requesting costs to be split between university/HRA funds and NIH funds (50%/50%). Charging a minimal fee for service to A study investigators, and full fees to industry/pharmaceutical sponsored study investigators, has covered equipment maintenance costs. Carmen has also expanded her professional skills by completing training to perform both DEXA scans and the Medgraphics CardiO2 System. Dietetic technicians have also been trained. Carmen stressed the importance of proper training to perform these tests and employing adequate safety precautions during testing. Her goal is for the exercise center to be fully operated by the bionutrition department and for improved space allocation in the future.