MRI Research User Information

Getting Started with MRI Research

To begin, you will need human subjects or animal research approval through the BIDMC CCI/IRB, IACUC, or another appropriate regulatory body.

The BIDMC CCI/IRB has standard language for use in the ICF for studies involving MRI. MRI has specific contraindications and safety issues that will be important exclusion criteria for your subjects.
If your study will be using a contrast agent or other medication administered during the scan, certain information will also need to be included with your protocol.
We recommend that you include a procedure for handling suspicious findings in your IRB protocols.
Please email us for advice on how to include information on these topics in your human subject's protocol.

A funding source is required for scanning with us. However, if you do not have funding, you may apply for a limited number of internally funded pilot scans to obtain preliminary data for publication and grant submissions.

If you are unfamiliar with MRI scanning, generally or specifically at our facility, please contact us and we will work with you to develop an appropriate scanning procedure. It is helpful to determine the scanning procedure prior to submitting your human subject's protocol because the information is needed to estimate scan time and to determine necessary procedures.

Once you have an approved protocol, we will ask you to complete and submit a Request for MR Scan Time Form.

Research Facility Services

In addition to access to the scanner, the Ansin MRI Research facility provides the following services:

Technologist Support

An MRI Technologist will be provided to perform the scans. We currently require that all human subjects scanning be performed under the direct supervision of a licensed MRI technologist or other qualified personnel. The technologist support will be provided as part of the scanning charge.

Clinical Reading

The Ansin Research Facility is not a clinical facility. However, if clinical evaluation of scans is required, this can be provided for an additional charge by the clinical radiology services of BIDMC. The Ansin Research Facility can assist your team in arranging for the reading if notified. Though we encourage discussion with clinical staff to determine the necessity of clinical reading, we defer to the CCI/IRB requirements. If clinical reading is required, further coordination of imaging protocols and differentials may also be required.

Image Management

Routine archiving of images and providing images on CD or DVD media in DICOM format is provided as part of the scan. Digital transfer of images and converting to other formats may be possible. Imaging data will be kept for at least six months from acquisition. After that point, it is the responsibility of the PI to handle and store their data. Please contact MRI Research with any questions.

Image Post-Processing

Technologists or other Ansin MRI Research Staff may be able to provide necessary image post-processing and analysis. An additional fee may be required. Please contact MRI Research with questions about image processing needs.

MRI-Compatible Equipment

The facility can provide MRI compatible physiologic monitoring, power injectors, infusion pumps and fMRI visual and audio presentation capabilities. Please contact MRI Research with questions regarding equipment compatibility.

Scheduling Calendar

Currently, this facility includes two GE MRI scanners: a 1.5 Tesla GE HD23 scanner that is used primarily for clinical imaging but may be used for research, and a 3.0 Tesla GE Discovery MR750 scanner, which is solely dedicated for Research use.

Scanner Hours

Monday – Friday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm

Special requests for off-hour and weekend times may be requested/considered by contacting the technologist supervisor, should hours become unavailable.

MRI Research Scheduling Calendar

Scheduling Guidelines

Important Scheduling Policies

Normal hours of operation are Monday – Friday 8:00 am - 5:00 pm.
Special requests for off-hour times may be requested/considered by contacting the technologist supervisor, should hours become unavailable.
Funded projects may schedule up to two months in advance.
Pilot projects may schedule up to two weeks in advance.
Technical Development projects may schedule only two days in advance.

Requesting Scan Time

All scheduling requests must be made by emailing Research Scheduling.
Investigators must arrive a minimum of 20 minutes prior to the study and have the responsibility for pre-screening volunteers for MRI safety contraindications and consenting prior to participation. If the subject has not yet been consented, the investigator must arrive 30 to 45 minutes prior to the study so that they can consent their subject prior to their scan time.
Please include this information when requesting scans:
- PI name and contact information (phone and email)
- Project title for study
- Which magnet required
- Date for scan requested
- Preferred start and end time of the scan (REMINDER: time requested must include study set-up and breakdown)
- Subject name and study identification name
- Medical record number (for subjects receiving contrast only)
- Other special requests, e.g., required equipment

Cancelling Scan Time

All cancellations must be submitted within 48 hours.
Cancellations with insufficient notice may be charged.
If there are extenuating circumstances for a late cancellation, please contact the technologist supervisor.

Documents and Forms