Frequently Asked Questions

Start up times vary, depending on the complexity of the study. For new users, the start up time may take a little longer due to initial safety training requirements, facility access processing, etc. However, most of these steps can be taken care of early on when planning your study or while waiting for regulatory approval. We recommend getting familiar with study start up procedures as soon as you know you will be using the Imaging Core. For existing users with new studies, the start up is much quicker. See the Imaging Core User Information section for step-by-step instructions.

iLab is an online system that the Imaging Core uses for equipment reservations and other requests such as project initiation, facility access, etc. All Imaging Core users should have an individual account that must be validated by their PI.

To create an account, click on "sign up" on our iLab website. We recommend bookmarking this page.

The time reserved in the calendar should include all time the equipment or equipment room will be needed, including set-up and clean-up. In general, we recommend 15 minutes for small animal sessions, 30 minutes for large animal sessions (to allow for anesthesia equipment set-up and clean-up) and 15 minutes for human imaging sessions. Depending on the study protocol, the time may need to be adjusted. Any separate preparation that does not need to be in the scanner room may be arranged in another room, and this time should not be included in the equipment reservation time.

Images acquired at the Imaging Core are stored in the WebPAX research PACS system, where they can be viewed and downloaded. Users needing a WebPAX login may request one through our iLab website. Additionally, a permanent archive of all images is kept separately and can be accessed by the Technical Director in case it is needed.

No, the Imaging Core is not appropriate for research projects and clinical trials where the imaging involves a clinical standard-of-care imaging procedure, requires a clinically licensed facility for diagnostic or billing purposes, requires camera accreditation, or needs to be included in the patient/subject's medical record.

Billing at the Imaging Core is based on the amount of time the scanner is used (plus medications, supplies and support staff) instead of a predetermined price based on the type of procedure. See the Imaging Core Services and Pricing section for modality-specific fees.

A reading by a clinical radiologist of a research scan completed by the Imaging Core can be requested on a per study basis. A professional fee, determined by the Imaging Department, would be in addition to the imaging fee. However, the report may not be used for clinical diagnosis or management, and may not be placed in the subject's medical record.

If the imaging technologist or researcher happens to notice a potential incidental finding, the scan will be sent to a radiologist for review. The PI will receive an incidental finding report and is required to follow IRB-approved policies and procedures to communicate any incidental findings with the subject.