The National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute (NHLBI) requires an Ultrasound Reading Center (USRC) as part of the renewal of the Coronary Artery Risk Development in Young Adults (CARDIA) study. CARDIA is a longitudinal cohort study designed to assess the development of cardiovascular disease risk factors in men and women initially aged 18-30 years in four U.S. communities. In its Year 20 examination, the study will assess subclinical atherosclerosis using multiple methods including a carotid artery ultrasound scan. The main goal of the study renewal is to identify risk factors for and assess racial differences in the development and progression of subclinical atherosclerosis.The USRC will coordinate, at the direction of the Steering Committee and in collaboration with CARDIA Coordinating Center and Field Centers in accordance with the study design, the development of protocols for carotid artery ultrasound scanning at each Field Center and for reading and information abstraction at the Reading Center. The USRC will train, certify, and monitor performance of Field Center sonographers and ultrasound readers at the Reading Center. The USRC will conduct a pilot test of the ultrasound protocols during the Year 20 pilot testing phase, in collaboration with Field Centers and the Coordinating Center. The USRC will perform readings and information abstractions of ultrasound measurements on approximately 3,530 studies, including studies from the pilot phase, the 12-month examination period (June 1, 2005 to May 31, 2006), and rereads for quality control during the examination. The USRC will participate in various other activities including participating in the Steering Committee, Imaging Committee, and other subcommittees as necessary, and participating in data analysis and preparation of reports and manuscripts using the ultrasound data. There will be one award. The period of performance is anticipated for four years, nine months beginning in March 2004. The Request for Proposal (RFP) NHLBI-HC-04-04 will be available on or about November 1, 2002 with proposals due January 27, 2003. URL http://www.nhlbi.nih.gov/funding/inits/index.htm

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