[BIC-announce] Resumption of BIC MRI Services

[Richard Hoge, Dr.]

Dear all,

We have received approval for a limited resumption of MRI services, as outlined in the attached restart plan for the MRI Unit.  This plan is based on the Neuro's research ramp-up procedures<https://www.mcgill.ca/neuro/channels/news/neuro-research-ramp-process-and-application-form-322172>  and requires that each Neuro PI submit an application<https://www.mcgill.ca/neuro/files/neuro/channels/attach/application_form_neuro_research_ramp-up_may_14_final.pdf> as detailed on the linked web pages.  The Neuro's procedures are based on by McGill's directives, which can be viewed here<https://mcgill.ca/coronavirus/resources/directives-principles-and-procedures-research-campus>.

Subject to the conditions and staffing limitations outlined in the attached ramp-up plan, we will provide MRI scanning services to Neuro Investigators who have been granted approval after submitting the required application document to Dr. Julien Doyon <julien.doyon at mcgill.ca<mailto:julien.doyon at mcgill.ca>>.

McGill investigators who are not based at the Neuro must first obtain permission to resume research from their own Institute and/or Faculty.  Once local approval is obtained, the ramp-up plan and a copy of the local approval letter must be submitted to the BIC (<julien.doyon at mcgill.ca<mailto:julien.doyon at mcgill.ca>>) for additional approval prior to scanning.

Important points for MRI researchers include the following:

  *   The types of scanning that will be allowed are governed entirely by the appropriate institutional oversight bodies acting under McGill's directives<https://mcgill.ca/coronavirus/resources/directives-principles-and-procedures-research-campus>.  It can be expected that human scanning will only be authorized under exceptional circumstances until distancing restrictions are relaxed (in such cases strict PPE and disinfection protocols would be observed as per the attached plan).

  *   Only scans for which the PI has explicit approval for the applicable ramp-up phase (1-3) may be scheduled.

  *   Techs will only come in for the duration of scans that have been confirmed in the BIC's online scheduling system.  BIC Coordinators may work with researchers to optimize schedules to minimize comings and goings, limit cross-exposure between research groups, and to accommodate family care obligations of MRU staff.

  *   To provide adequate notice for techs to commute to the Neuro, bookings must be confirmed in the official scheduling system at least 24 hours in advance.

  *   Physics support (pulse sequence optimization, data analysis support) will be provided remotely without exception (researchers should email applicable staff to arrange support by phone or videoconference).

  *   Hands-on support for specialized hardware (RF coils, fMRI instrumentation) will be extremely limited until restrictions on distancing are relaxed.

  *   This update applies to research scanning on the Siemens Prisma 3T and Terra 7T scanners.  Dr. David Rudko will advise on preclinical scanning operations  on the Pharmascan 7T.

Should you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact me or any member of the MR Unit.

Kind regards,

Rick

---
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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