Training

Training Policy and Rationale

MRI User Training

BIC offers 3 levels of user-training based on the guidelines set forth by the American College of Radiology (ACR):

Level 0 (L0) status grants a researcher observer status for an MRI study and is also required for UT / DMS / UTHA support staff (e.g. ITS, Zone Shop, Facilities). L0 trained individuals may not enter the MRI scanner room and cannot assume any responsibilities associated with an MRI study.

Level 1 (L1) certification ensures an individual can work safely around an MRI system and can observe / assist with an MRI study.  L1 training is required for all staff that provide clinical care or emergency medical / first responder support to the Center’s operations in NHB or HDB

Level 2 (L2) certification grants an individual system-operator status so they can run the scanner independently.

The L0 course reviews essential MRI safety guidelines, sufficient to ensure safe entry into the MRI control and equipment rooms. Level 0 users MAY NOT enter the MRI Scanner Room (Zone 4) under ANY CIRCUMSTANCES unless accompanied by a member of BIC staff or a certified MRI Technologist.

Level 0 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.

Level 1 Certification

The L1 course extends knowledge of basic MRI safety principles and procedures, familiarizes the user with BIC resources, and provides hands-on training with key MRI scanner safety features in case of an emergency. All individuals providing clinical care or emergency medical support to the Center’s operations must be L1 trained.

A Level 1 researcher satisfies the 2-person requirement (L2 + L1) for human research studies, has Zone 1 and Zone 2 access privileges, and may schedule in FBS. Only research users involved in projects > 4 months will be considered for Level 1 certification. For rotations / class visits, Level 0 – MRI Observer status is more appropriate.

Note that Level 1 certification is system specific, due to subtle differences between the Siemens Prisma and Vida and the layout of the NHB and HDB sites. However, L1 certification on one system will confer Level 0 status on the other, but the L0 constraints still apply. Level 1 certification on a second system can be attained by completing a site walkthrough with BIC staff.

Level 2 Certification

The L2 course includes a detailed lecture on MRI principles and advanced safety considerations, as well as scanner operator training. Prior experience as a Level 1 user is required. Note that the Siemens and Bruker systems have different hardware and software environments, therefore specific training on each system is required. The Siemens Prisma and Vida systems have the same software and similar hardware environments – conversion training for existing L2 users is also available. 

PET/CT User Training

Training for operation of the Siemens Inveon preclinical PET/CT system is available on-request. Note that Radiation Safety training for Radioactive Materials (RAM) and/or X-ray devices is a prerequisite for scanner training and is available through UT Austin Environmental Health and Safety (EHS). Please email training inquiries to bic-training@utlists.utexas.edu

Human PET/CT studies require the assistance of a PET/CT Technologist. If you are interested in performing human CT or PET studies, please contact the Director.

Optical Imaging User Training

Training for operation of the Xenogen IVIS optical imaging system is available on-request. Please email training inquiries to bic-training@utlists.utexas.edu

Training Procedures

MRI User Training

Follow the links below to request training as a Level 0, Level 1 or Level 2 MRI User.

• Level 0 Status – Research
• Level 0 Status – Support Staff

• Level 1 Certification – Research
• Level 1 Certification – Clinical Staff / First Responders

• Level 2 Certification – Research

PET/CT User Training

• Siemens Inveon preclinical system: Please email training inquiries to bic-training@utlists.utexas.edu
• GE Discovery human system: Please contact the BIC Director if you are interested in performing human CT or PET studies.

Optical Imaging User Training

• Xenogen IVIS optical imaging system: Please email training inquiries to bic-training@utlists.utexas.edu

Facility Access

BIC policy and procedures regarding access to our Facilities in NHB or HDB can be found on the Policies and Procedures page of our Wiki.

Scheduling Scanner / Resource Time

Resource Scheduling policy and the procedure to gain access to FBS, our online resource scheduling system, can be found on the Policies and Procedures page of our Wiki.