IRB approval is required for scanning:  The Human Subjects Protections Institutional Review Board (IRB) is responsible for reviewing and approving all research projects involving human subject research prior to initiation of the project.  PIs are responsible for providing documentation of IRB approval to the BHIC Administrative Coordinator prior to scheduling and bringing research participants for scanning.

*New Study method development or Novel Technology Consultation may be completed prior to IRB approval

SUPPLEMENTAL FUNDING for Preliminary Data Collection or Novel Technology Development may be available – inquire with the BHIC Director.

For grant and other budget planning purposes, as well as to ensure the sustainability of our services, please be prepared for a 3% rate increase at the end of each fiscal year.

A Facility Use Agreement (“the Agreement”) or Inter-Institutional Agreement (“IIA”) between UTD and the non-UTD institution is required to conduct research at the Sammons BrainHealth Imaging Center.  This agreement can be completed simultaneously with IRB of record review/approval process.  Documentation of IRB approval is required prior to data collection.

If your institution has not entered into an Agreement or IIA (or if you are unsure), please contact Brian Scott in the Office of Technology Commercialization.

A “Center Use Application” (Exhibit C of the Agreement), must be submitted for BHIC review for each new project being considered.

Phlebotomy

MRI Technologist, Andrew Wolfson, completed training to become a certified phlebotomy technician.

Studies that require phlebotomy services, should reserve time in the “Collection Room (1.405)” in Lab Resources. Phlebotomy supplies will need to be provided by the requesting lab. Each reservation/blood draw will be charged – $30.00/EACH – to the cost center provided in your reservation. The reservation should include a note in the description that the reservation “REQUIRES BHIC PHLEBOTOMIST

EKG

With the acquisition of the GE Healthcare Mac 2000, BHIC offers EKG set-up and interpretation. If your study requires this type of physiological data acquisition, please reserve time in the “Collection Room (1.405)” resource in Lab Resources. In addition, your scan time reservation should include a note in the description that the reservation REQUIRES BHIC EKG TECHNICIAN.  Each reservation will be charged – $30.00/EACH – to the cost center provided in your reservation (this includes the cost of the EKG leads).

Extended Business and Weekend Hours

With the implementation of the Independent MRI Operator Training Program, UTD research labs are able to utilize the imaging center during extended business hours (Monday-Friday, 5:00-8:00 p.m. or beyond) as well as on the weekends. The program is open to UTD faculty, postdoctoral researchers, research associates/assistants or students enrolled in a PhD program.

Weekend scans require a UTD Public Safety Officer or Guard to be on duty for the duration of the scan.  Services can be arranged by contacting the BHIC Administrative Coordinator (see below).

Once your team has a consented participant and wants to reserve weekend hours, you should EMAIL Administrative Coordinator and provide the details related to the scan.

• Email SUBJECT should include DATE/Lab Name/Participant ID
  (Ex: August 10 > Rypma Lab Scan—CbMS-1234)
• Name of Independent Operator
• Name(s) of Research Personnel
• Arrival Time – Research Personnel
• Participant Arrival Time (if different than above)
• Start / End Time of Scan
• Description of scan including Participant ID
• Departure Time – Research Personnel (if different from above)
• OPTIONAL:  cost center for PSO charges (unless otherwise noted in the initial email, the cost center used for monthly billing will be provided on this form)

UTD Police Department requires an Event Registration Form at least 10 days in advance and there is a 4-hour minimum.  Costs will vary depending on the hourly rate of the PSO who will work the “event”.  Research labs will be responsible for the associated costs.  The Administrative Coordinator will complete the form using the above information.

The Administrative Coordinator will first notify the BrainHealth security guard team (all are Level 1 trained) to ensure their availability.  Upon confirmation, the coordinator will complete the UTD Event Registration form.  If a BH security guard is not available, the Event Registration form will be used to open the assignment to other UTD PD security personnel.

The “BrainHealth Imaging – Extended Hours” schedule in Lab Resources is already available.  All Independent Operators and one (1) administrative user will be able to book scans.  If additional personnel require access to the schedule, please reach out to the Administrative Coordinator.

Lab Resources reservation can be submitted by the research team, but will only be approved after UTD PD has approved the Event Registration Form.

Hyperscanning

Hyperscanning is a neuroimaging technique that measures brain activity in two or more people simultaneously, allowing researchers to study how their brains interact during social interactions. It focuses on interpersonal neural synchrony (INS), which measures the similarity in brain activity between individuals as they interact. This method is used to investigate the neural basis of social behavior, teamwork, leadership, and decision-making.

In collaboration with Dr. Francesca Filbey, the Sammons BrainHealth Imaging Center is ready to conduct hyperscanning. Our central control room allows for simultaneous start-up at the console.  Audio equipment, including the Sensimetrics acoustic delivery system, is duplicated at each scanner for ease of communication from the research team to the participants.