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Resources for MRI Research at the Medical College of Wisconsin

Information for Investigators and Study Team Personnel

Glossary of Terms
A brief glossary of terms applied in research using MRI at the Medical College of Wisconsin.

Introduction to MRI Safety Training
Review instructions for Initial and Renewal MRI Safety Training.  

Standard Operating Procedures
The Standard Operating Procedures (SOP) are reviewed and revised as needed. 

Screening Form for Human Subjects
Use the Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) Screening Form for Research Subjects to properly investigate the potential safety risks of your subjects and others BEFORE entering the magnetic environment. 

 

Related Links to MRI Safety

National and International Sources: 

Medical College of Wisconsin Sources:

Frequently Asked Questions

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How do I obtain permission to use the MRI Scanners?

To use the MCW scanners, you must apply through the Center for Imaging Research to obtain permission.

For other scanners, you must contact the institution where you are proposing to use the MRI scanner:

Froedtert Hospital: Office of Clinical Research and Innovative Care Compliance (OCRICC) (414) 805-4082

Children's Wisconsin: Office of Corporate Compliance Children's Hospital and Health System (CHHS) Diane Bauer at (414) 266-6237 or dbauer@childrenswi.org

What approvals do I need from the Research MRI Safety Committee?

Research MRI Safety Committee approval is required before MCW/Froedtert Hospital IRB or MCW IACUC approval can be granted. For information on how to obtain approval, please go to the Obtaining Approval page. Please note, approval is also needed from the Center for Imaging Research if the Medical College of Wisconsin scanners are requested.

Is research monitored following approval?

Research is monitored for safety at each MRI study session by the MRI Scanner Operators.

Research is monitored as needed by the MRI Safety Committee, whose mission is to foster an environment for the safe use of MRI in research at MCW. This mission is accomplished by conducting timely reviews of human participant and animal studies using MRI, providing the necessary safety training for researchers and staff, ensuring only trained and safety screened individuals have access to the magnetic environment, evaluating the safe use of accessory equipment in or around the magnetic environment, and serving as an available resource for investigators and others.

What can I do to prevent problems in the laboratory?

The MRI Safety Committee has developed Standard Operating Procedures to guide safe practices for the use of Magnetic Resonance Imaging. It is expected that all investigators adhere to these procedures.

Questions and concerns may be addressed to the MRI Safety Committee.

What training is required?

MRI Safety Training is required for study personnel working in the magnetic environment or recruiting human subjects who will enter the magnetic environment. Training includes a description of the dangers within the magnetic environment and instructions for identifying subjects and equipment that should not enter the magnetic environment

Principal Investigators are required to complete MRI Safety Training as they are ultimately responsible for the safety of the study. Training may be modified depending on the previous MRI experience of the investigator.

What resources are available?

Support is available for MRI research from the following sources:

Center for Imaging Research

MRI Safety Committee

What are the relevant policies, procedures and guidelines?
Please refer to the policies and SOPs at MRI Safety Standard Operating Procedures prior to conducting MRI research.
Who do I contact if I have additional questions?
Center for Imaging Research
General Inquiries: Debra Keiler
(414) 955-4663 | (414) 955-6562 (fax)

MRI Safety Committee
General Inquiries: MRIresearch@mcw.edu
Chair: Andrew Nencka, PhD
Safety Training: Amy Ostrowski, BS, RT(R)(MR)(ARRT), MRSO (MRSC) or Marlys Oravec, RT (R)(M)(MR)ARRT LPN

Office of Research
Safety Coordinator: Casey Stark