Our Services

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As a cutting-edge research facility, the MR Research Laboratory provides advanced support for multidisciplinary researchers from more than 10 departments across the UW campus. Some primary services are:

Imaging
With our new state-of-the-art 3T Philips MR7700 MR system, we provide:

• 70cm bore width to accommodate a wide range of research subjects
• Enhanced XP gradients capable of 220 T/m/s slew rate and 65 mT/m max amplitude
• Multiple RF receive coils to enable high SNR imaging of many anatomies (contact us for details)
• Multiple add-on Philips software packages to enable state-of-the-art features for specific imaging types (contact us for details)
• Resoundant MR Elastography system with full Philips integration
• Padded bore insert used with specially designed quiet sequences for sound-sensitive subjects
• Well-trained professional staff to assist researchers in obtaining and processing high-quality MR data
• Support for image contrast enhancement for various applications

Supporting Hardware
At DISC we have a variety of ancillary tools to assist with MR research studies:

• Physiology monitoring
• Projector system for visual stimulus and/or subject entertainment (brain imaging only)
• Multiple audio delivery systems (pneumatic, piezoelectric)
• SR Research EyeLink eye-tracking system (brain imaging only)
• NordicNeuroLab VisualSystem HD VR goggles (brain imaging only)
• Subject response devices (buttons, trackball, pen available)
• RespirAct® gas delivery system to provide precise control of PCO2 and PO2
• Dedicated computer for use with multiple fMRI stimulus presentation software suites
• … and more! Contact us if you have a specific research need.

Software
We have commercial licenses useful for a diverse array of anatomical sites and pathologies. Please contact us for your specific study needs. Some highlights include,

• CS-SENSE for accelerated imaging in the brain and throughout the body
• MR Elastography for image acquisition and calculation of stiffness maps
• mDixon Quant for rapid fat-water quantitation
• Cardiac Quant for rapid relaxometry in the heart and throughout the body
• MR spectroscopy sequences
• Synthetic MRI (SyMRI)
• Research implementations for specialized needs

Periodic scanner QA
Please see report here. Phantom-based QA is conducted weekly. We report SNR, SFNR, Drift, Center frequency, etc. Vendor specific QA is conducted monthly.


Education and Training
As an academic research institution, we actively educate regarding MRI physics, acquisition, and analyses. Trainees include:

• Fellows and residents from the UW and other institutions
• Graduate students from all departments at UW
• Undergraduate students
• Visiting scientists including national and international

Research Collaboration/Consultation
We provide technical support for Custom MR pulse sequence design

• Optimization of MR imaging techniques for specific experimental design
• Functional imaging paradigm development
• Design and construction of custom hardware, like RF coils, electronics fabrication, gradient coil development, and unique magnet-compatible sensors
• Software support such as image processing and analysis, data storage/transfer, and 3D image rendering and display
• Consultation for completing MRI-related sections for IRB forms

For other technical support and learn more about conducting research at DISC, please email DISC Support.