Level 0 Status - Research
The Level 0 course reviews essential laboratory and MRI safety guidelines, sufficient to ensure safe entry into the Imaging Suite and Scanner Control and/or Equipment Rooms. Level 0 (L0) status grants a researcher observer status for an imaging research study. Level 0 trained researchers MAY NOT assume any L1 or L2 responsibilities (such as safety screening of participants) or enter any zone besides the MRI Control Room (Zone 3); card access to BIC facilities will not be granted. A maximum of two (2) L0 users may be present for participant research studies – Level 2 users overseeing the study are responsible for the conduct and safety of the L0 users. Individuals with Level 0 status MAY NOT enter the MRI Scanner (Zone 4) or PET/CT Scanner Rooms under ANY CIRCUMSTANCES unless accompanied by a member of BIC staff or a certified MRI or PET/CT Technologist.
L0 Certification Timeline
Note that L0 training and approval will take a minimum of one week, depending on BIC workload and schedules. Prompt submission of safety screening information and training documents will help streamline this process.
To obtain L0 Status for Research:
1. Submit the BIC Training Request form
Now complete Steps 2 through 5.
this must be reviewed and approved by BIC staff
if you have potential MRI contraindications, we will need supporting documentation from your medical providers to ensure your safety
the process of requesting medical documents can take some time, so plan accordingly
2. Submit the MRI Safety Screening Form for Personnel
this form will be reviewed and approved by BIC staff prior to L0 status being granted
if you have potential MRI contraindications, we may need additional information and/or supporting documentation from your medical providers to ensure your safety
the process of requesting medical documents can take some time, so plan accordingly
3. Download the BIC Level 0 Training Packet for Research Staff
4. Complete the the following safety training courses available via UT Learn:
These courses ensure you know how to identify and work around the various hazards that may be present within the Imaging Centers in NHB or HDB.
Save screenshots of your course completion certificates to attach to the end of your Level 0 Training packet (for guidance on how to save a screenshot see this page)
EHS Laboratory Safety Training:
MRI Safety Training:
g) BIC-MRI: 101A - NHB (for 3T Prisma) and/or BIC-MRI: 101B - HDB (for 3T Vida or Bruker 7T)
5. Complete research compliance requirements
Human Subjects Research:
Save screenshot(s) of the UTRMS IRB screen showing you have been added to the appropriate IRB protocol(s)
Preclinical Research:
Enroll in the Occupational Health Program (required for phantom and animal research)
Save a screenshot of the email confirming that you are enrolled in OHP.
6. Submit the Level 0 Packet
Ensure all sections of the Level 0 packet are completed.
Insert any additional items (certificates, screenshots or printouts) at the end of this document and combine into a single pdf file.
Name the completed packet as your FIRSTNAME_LASTNAME_L0.pdf (e.g. JANE_DOE_L0.pdf).
Email your L0 packet to bic-training@utlists.utexas.edu with the subject line BIC Level 0 Training: YOUR-NAME
After your L0 packet is submitted, BIC staff will review your documentation and will contact you if additional information is needed.
7. L0 Status Approval
Approval of L0 status will be notified by an email from BIC staff, please retain a copy of this email for your records.
Please Note:
Level 0 users are only permitted to enter the MRI Control Room (Zone 3) under the supervision of an MRI Level 2 user.
Level 0 users MAY NOT enter the Magnet room (Zone 4) under ANY CIRCUMSTANCES, unless they are accompanied by a member of BIC staff or a certified MRI Technologist.
Level 0 users MAY NOT assume any of the responsibilities of the Level 1 or Level 2 users (e.g. safety screening of participants or assisting with MRI scans).
Card access to BIC facilities will not be granted.
A maximum of two (2) L0 users may be present for participant research studies – the conduct and safety of the L0 users observing any MRI session will be the responsibility of the Level 2 user overseeing the study.