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UAB Institutional Research Core Program Office of Research

UAB Institutional Research Core Program

  • Research MRI Core
  • Research MRI Core
  • Research MRI Core
  • Research MRI Core
  • Research MRI Core
  • Research MRI Core

MRI Scanners

 

Siemens MAGNETOM Prisma 3.T

 

The Prisma is designed to withstand the strains of high-duty cycle sequences and to operate at maximum performance during prolonged experiments, unlike clinical systems. This equipment is based on a super-homogeneous 3T magnet with 80 mT/m, 200 T/m/s gradients and 3rd order shims. This system includes advanced parallel transmit technology for 3D localized excitation, which enables zooming into specific body regions for enhanced image quality and resolution. CINL’s Prisma MRI system also has Multinuclear Resonance Spectroscopy (MRS) capability, extending the functionality of traditional MRI.

PRISMA

Seminens Magnetom

  • Coils
    • 64 channel head coil (Siemens)
      64 channel head coil
    • 32 channel head coil (Siemens)
      32 channel head coil
    • 20 channel head coil (Siemens)
      20 channel head coil
    • Body 18 Coil (Siemens)
      18 body coil
    • Flex Large 4 coil (Siemens)
      lg 4 coil
    • Flex small 4 coil (Siemens)
      sm 4 coil
    • Shoulder Large 16 Coil (Siemens)
      lg 16 coil
    • Shoulder Small 16 Coil (Siemens)
      sm 16 coil
    • Hand/Wrist 16 Coil (Siemens)
      hand 16 coil
    • TxRx Knee 15 (QED)
      txrx knee
    • Foot/Ankle 16 (Siemens)
      foot ankle
    • Multinuclear: Xenon Torso Coil (Clinical MR Solutions)
      xenon torso
    • Multinuclear: Phosphorus (31P) Coil (Pulse Teq)
      phosphorus
  • Stimulus

    FORP controller with the following button boxes

    • 2 button box
      2 button
    • 4 button box
      4 button
    • 4 button cylinder
      4 button cyl
    • Tracking ball mouse
      track ball

    Bold Screen 32
    bold screen

  • Headphones

    • Siemens mono headphones (over-ear)
      mono headphone
    • Aftermarket mono headphones (in-ear)
      mono in ear
    • fMRI stereo headphones (large over-ear)
      lg over ear
    • fMRI stereo headphones (small over-ear)
      sm over ear

  • Observation

    • BioPac MP150
    • Live Eye Tracker (Cambridge Research Systems )
    • Pulse OX (Siemens)
    • EKG (Siemens)
    • FIRMM tablet

  • Software

 

GE Premier 3T

 

The Premier is a pioneering MRI system for cutting-edge research and supports the most demanding applications, such as Connectome-type studies that require Ultra-short TE diffusion imaging and high-resolution resting state fMRI. The SuperG 80/200 gradients deliver 60-cm performance in a spacious 70-cm bore, ensuring participant comfort and excellent data quality. The 146-channel RF receive chain enables unprecedented acceleration in parallel imaging that can be leveraged for increased resolution, shorter scan times, or both.

PREMIER

GE Signa Premier

  • Coils
    • Air* 48 channel head coil (GE)
      48 channel head coil
    • 21 Channel Head and Neck Array (GE)
      21 channel head
    • Air* 30 Channel Anterior Array (GE)
      air channel array
    • 16 Channel Shoulder Coil (GE)
      16 channel coil
    • 16 Channel T/R Hand Wrist Coil (GE)
      16 tr
    • Air* Multipurpose 21 and 20 Coils (GE)
      multi 21 20
    • T/R Head Coil (GE)
      tr head coil
  • Stimulus

    Nordic Neurolab Screen with integrated camera
    nordic screen

    In-ear Headphones
    in ear phones

    Over-ear Headphones
    over ear phones

  • Observation

    • Pulse OX (GE)
    • EKG (GE)

  • Software

    • Coming Soon

Additional Scanners:

 

Siemens MAGNETOM Skyra3.0T

Siemens MAGNETOM Skyra
3.0T

Location: Kirklin Clinic
2000 6th Ave S, Birmingham, AL 35294

Siemens Freemax0.55T

Siemens Freemax
0.55T

Location: UAB Highlands
1201 11th Ave S, Birmingham, AL 35205

 

Other Equipment:

  • Mock MRI

    Mock MRI

    The Vera mock MRI scanner simulates a real MRI experience, including noises a scanner can create during a procedure. It has a bore size of 60 cm, exactly equal to SIEMENS PRISMA MRI scanner, and includes a mock 64-channel head coil that is like the PRISMA MRI scanner. The head coil and the bore size are usually the two most important factors in determining the participant’s adherence to the procedure.

    The Vera mock MRI scanner has additional features that mimic a real MRI scanner such as a tapered entry, a front facade panel, a realistic scanner body with steel frame construction, cooling fans, diffused lighting for participant safety and comfort, amplified speakers with subwoofer for realistic scanner noise production and vibration, quiet and motorized participant table with drag sensing, bidirectional audio, and an integrated control panel.

    Here are some excellent benefits of our Mock MRI:

    • Assess readiness
      Child Life Therapists use mock MRI scanners to determine if a child can have an MRI without sedation.
    • Reduce anxiety
      Mock MRI scanners help people feel more comfortable in the MRI environment and reduce anxiety.
    • Practice tasks
      Mock MRI scanners allow people to practice tasks like keeping still or holding their breath.
    • Collect data
      Mock MRI scanners can collect behavioral data and head motion information to help develop tasks that work in the scanner.
    • Support research
      Mock MRI scanners can support pediatric research studies by helping children get comfortable with the MRI environment.
  • Functional Near-Infrared Spectroscopy (fNIRS) and the NIRSport2 System

    Mock MRI

    Functional Near-Infrared Spectroscopy (fNIRS) is a non-invasive neuroimaging technique that measures brain activity by detecting changes in blood oxygenation and volume. It operates by emitting near-infrared light into the scalp and measuring the absorption and scattering of that light as it passes through cortical tissue. This allows researchers to infer neural activity based on hemodynamic responses, similar to fMRI, but with key advantages such as portability, cost-effectiveness, and tolerance to movement.

    RMRIC’s NIRSport2 system enhances the capabilities of fNIRS research by combining portability, high signal quality, and versatility. Its modular design and integration with advanced software make it a valuable tool for investigating brain function across various settings and populations.

    Key features include:

    • Modularity and Scalability:
      The system supports configurations from 8 to 80 sources and detectors, allowing researchers to tailor the setup to specific study requirements. Up to five devices can be fully synchronized, enabling extensive cortical coverage and high-density measurements.
    • Portable:
      Ability to understand brain functional connectivity under naturalistic conditions.
    • High Signal Quality:
      Equipped with high-powered dual LEDs (up to 32 mW) and optional advanced Avalanche Photodiode (APD) detectors with sensitivity down to 5 fW, the NIRSport2 ensures robust signal acquisition. Variable tension spring holders enhance scalp coupling and participant comfort.
    • Versatility and Integration:
      With a compact form factor (~900 grams) and wireless capabilities, the NIRSport2 is designed for mobility, supporting tetherless recordings. It integrates seamlessly with other modalities such as EEG, VR, TMS, and MRI, facilitating multimodal research approaches.
    • Advanced Software Support:
      The system is compatible with NIRx's Aurora fNIRS software, which offers intuitive setup, real-time data visualization, and automated signal optimization. Integration with the Lab Streaming Layer (LSL) protocol enables multimodal measurements and real-time processing.