[BIC-announce] Notes on MRI Unit Extended Scanning Hours

[Richard Hoge, Dr.]

Dear all,

I've had a few questions and comments regarding the extension of scanning hours on the 3T that was announced this morning, and would like to add some additional remarks:

Safety

It will remain our policy that all research scans of live subjects (human or animal) must be overseen by a member of our licensed MR technologist staff.  This is due to the inherent risks associated with MRI in human subjects, and the fact that we are responsible for hygienic measures to prevent cross-species infection.

Patient Scanning

Scanning of patients in clinical research studies can pose special concerns, and we wish to remind researchers that access to clinical services normally available in the hospital may be diminished (or nonexistent) after regular working hours.

As always, it is the responsibility of the PI to carefully assess the fitness of any research participant to undergo an MRI study.   Prior to performing a late scanning session, we urge investigators to consider whether participant fatigue, the diminished hospital clinical services, or any other factors may impact safety.  For example, Dr. Bernasconi has signalled that post-6:30pm scans would be ill-advised for epilepsy patients unless a neurologist is present.

It is anticipated that the later scanning hours may be most attractive to basic researchers seeking to scan healthy control subjects (who may be working or studying 9-5).  Indeed, it is our hope that the additional evening scanning hours will reduce pressure on mid-day scan slots that are required for scanning neurological and other patients.

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I would encourage anyone with further questions or concerns to please contact me, or any member of the MRI Team.

Best regards,

Rick

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Rick Hoge, Ph.D.
Director, MRI Program
McConnell Brain Imaging Centre, Montreal Neurological Institute
Associate Professor and Killam Scholar, Dept. of Neurology & Neurosurgery
Associate Member, Dept. of Biomedical Engineering
McGill University
rick.hoge at mcgill.ca<mailto:rick.hoge at mcgill.ca>
514-398-1929


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