UC Davis Health
Imaging Research Center
Showmenu

MRI Operator Training | Imaging Research Center | UC Davis Health

MRI Operator Training

An MRI scanner operator is someone who has completed MRI safety training and is specially trained to operate the MRI scanner itself.

This training is restricted to UC Davis affiliated personnel, and undergraduate students and volunteers are not permitted to become operators.

Training includes:

  1. Required MRI safety certification (prerequisite)
    • Screening for metal and implants
    • Understanding magnetic field hazards
    • Emergency procedures
    • Annual renewal required
  2. Hands-on scanner operation
    • Running scan protocols on systems like Siemens 3T MRI scanners
    • Using the console/software
    • Positioning subjects and monitoring scans
    • Troubleshooting basic issues
  3. Study-specific responsibilities
    • Following an approved research protocol (IRB/IACUC)
    • Ensuring participant safety during scans
    • Coordinating with the principal investigator’s study
  4. Authority and responsibility
    • Operators have the authority to stop a scan if safety is compromised
Operating Practices

  • Staffing Requirements During Scans

    • A minimum of two safety-trained individuals must be present for every MRI scan, at all times.
    • There must be a one-to-one ratio of safety-trained lab members to subjects/patients and to any accompanying persons (e.g., a parent or family member).

  • Implants

    If participants have any type of implants (i.e. orthopedic hardware, heart stents, surgery clips, electronic implants, etc.), you cannot proceed with the MRI scan until written documents from the manufacturer, stating the conditions that must be followed to safely scan the participant, have been approved by James Wallis (MRI Safety Officer) or designated IRC tech support personnel.

    • If a participant has had an MRI with an implant, do not assume the participant is safe to scan. You must still have approval before scanning your participant.
    • When implant approval is required, the manufacturer's name, the implant name, the implant model number, and the physician’s operative report must be submitted to the MRI Safety Officer.
    • Always allow a minimum of 7 days before your participant's appointment to receive the manufacturer’s recommendation for safely scanning the participant with an implant.
    • If unable to obtain written documents confirming the conditions for safely performing an MRI scan, the participant may not be allowed to participate in an MRI study.
    • Violation of this policy is grounds for immediate suspension of the research lab, and all scheduled MRI scans will be canceled until the violation has been resolved.

  • Glasses

    We currently provide MR Safe glasses at the scanners in both Sacramento and Davis. The MRI-safe glasses range from -1.00 to -7.00 diopters in strength.  They can simply be clipped onto the outside of the 32-channel head coil.

  • Outside Equipment

    Please store any approved outside equipment needed for scans on site to avoid accidentally bringing unapproved items into the MRI environment. After your equipment has been approved, provide your own labeled clear storage bins. Labels should include your lab name to prevent confusion.

    Contact: James Wallis jmwallis@health.ucdavis.edu

  • Technical Problems

    Please send a description of the problem and we will respond as soon as possible.

    Contact: IRC Tech Support irc-tech-support@ucdavis.edu 

  • Incidental Findings

    Incidental findings are any unexpected brain abnormalities discovered during an MRI research scan, including abnormal vasculature, cysts, lesions, neuromas, or other anomalies.

    Important Instructions:

    • Do not inform research subjects of incidental findings.
    • Immediately notify your principal investigator and James Wallis jmwallis@health.ucdavis.edu, providing as much detail as possible, including the type and location of the finding.
    • Free radiological reads are available for colleagues, performed by a trained radiologist.

  • Operator Training and After-Hours Training

    For scans conducted outside regular business hours (Mon – Fri, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., excluding holidays), scanner operators must complete additional after-hours training. Operators become eligible for this training after successfully completing five scans.