Procedures

Safety

If used appropriately, MRI scanning is exceptionally safe. However, MRI scanning requires a very unusual environment, that can pose unique hazards. The MRI technologist ensures compliance with the guidelines established by the IRB and operations committee.

  1. Safety manual describes the precautions we follow to ensure safe operations.
  2. An incident report form form needs to be filed for any adverse event that occurs at the center.
  3. The study form should be supplied to the MRI technologist after IRB approval.
  4. An example MRI_ScreeningForm. This can act as a template for the screening form you have approved by the IRB.
  5. An example TMS_ScreeningForm. This can act as a template for the screening form you have approved by the IRB..
  6. An example Health_ScreeningForm. This includes standard health screening information, as well as handedness and demographic data (useful for NIH enrollment data).
  7. An example of Contraindications_ScreeningForm.
  8. Only people who have had safety training are allowed open access to the MRI scanner console room and mock scanner. People without training (inlcuding participants) will require an escort. Please contact the MRI technologist to schedule safety training.
  9. CPR Training Course is available. GT employees register online, Georgia State employees/affiliates may enroll by contacting center administrator.

Ethics – Institutional Review Board

All research at the center must be approved by our IRB. One piece of advice is to provide as much detail as possible about your study in order for reviewers to assess safety and the scientific methods employed to address your specific aims/hypotheses.

  1. Create an IRB account where you will upload information for your protocol.
  2. This website has the template for CABI informed consent forms

Operations Committee

The operations committee regulates activites at the center. The committee is composed of three members from Georgia State and three members from Georgia Tech. The committee establishes the hours of operation (when will Buzzcards allow users to access the center), overseeing the safety manual and establishing billing rates, and determining seed grant funding. To arrange a meeting with the committee, please contact the center administrator

Billing

  1. The cost for scanning is $400 per hour for projects funded by GSU/GT/Emory or by government organizations that have provided infrastructure support (NSF, NIH, etc). Funding for other organizations is billed at $514 per hour.
  2. Request Scanner Time: To request scanner time, please complete the attached form and submit to MRI technologist.

Access

  1. Access is via BuzzCard. Standard users have access to the front of the building from 9-5 M-F. Please contact the director if you need a BuzzCard or need to have your card updated to allow access.
  2. Please see the safety section (above) for notes regarding access to the mock scanner and scanner console room.

Seed grants

The operations committee has established a seed-grant mechanism that allows scientists to conduct research using the MRI center. These grants cover the cost of scanning only (you may need additional funds to pay participants). Details on per review, criteria, and usage are included in the application. Completed applications should be sent electronically to the director, with a hard copy of the signature page sent to the center.

  1. Seed grant application and notes (Word format)