MRI scanning procedures

Dear All, [Sorry for cross postings] Apologies for the long message, but please read it carefully because it contains information concerning MRI scanning. YNiC now has a new radiographer, Chris Alderson, who has extensive experience of MRI scanning. She is however new to the research environment and will therefore be in need of support from researchers using the scanner. With this is mind this seems like a good opportunity to remind investigators of the following. 1) Scanning Protocols Please be sure that you know the scanning protocols that you will be using. In many circumstances your protocols are saved on the scanner in a project folder named with your project number (e.g. P1025). If you do not know your protocols, please get in touch with your SLO so that we can prepare a scanning protocol for you. If you are obtaining structural scans as part of an MEG study, there is already a predefined protocol that Chris is aware of. 2) Stimulus arrangements It is also essential that you are able to present your stimuli without assistance from Chris. You will also need to be able to give clear instructions to Chris about when she should commence scanning with respect to stimulus onset etc. You are, of course, able to liaise with your SLO if you need help. 3) Timeliness As a courtesy to Chris, please ensure that you and your participants arrive promptly for your scanning session. Also, be sure to book the appropriate amount of time for your scan session. This is likely to become increasingly important as non-research clinical scanning picks up, because we will be unable to have research time overrun to displace or delay fee paying clinical scanning. 4) Participant preparation It is the investigators responsibility to have their participants prepared for the scan and prepared on time. This means that participants need to be registered for the scan and appropriately dressed. Participants are able to wear gowns if they clothing is not suitable for scanning. Chris is responsible for a final screening of the participant and will take them into the exam room. 5) Access to corridor, console room and exam room. Only investigators who have been named as such may be present in the console room during scanning. Participants should be prepared for scanning in the corridor, where changing facilities and lockers for valuables are available and should be used. Once the participant is ready, only the investigator should enter the console room to let Chris know that the participant is ready. Chris will then invite the participant to come through to the console room, where she will perform final checks, and then take them through to the exam room. Please keep the number of investigators in the console to a minimum. Please note that as the centre becomes busier (as anticipated) adhering to the above with become increasingly more important. If you are unsure about anything raised in this message, please feel free to get in touch with me, Andre Gouws or your SLO. Thanks Tony