MRI Core

Florida Atlantic University has established a new MRI research center featuring a GE 3T Premier MRI scanner. This state-of-the-art equipment is located within the FAU Division of Research on the Boca Raton campus. Researchers at FAU can access the scanner following approval from the Institutional Review Board (IRB) and the FAU MRI Committee, in accordance with the established FAU MRI scanner utilization policy. Usage is billed at established hourly rates, and vouchers may be available for pilot studies, pre-proposal data gathering, and other specific needs.

Use and Scheduling

FAU researchers who wish to use the FAU 3T MRI scanner should consult the FAU MRI Medical Director for detailed instructions. 

Before obtaining IRB approval:

1. Consult with the FAU MRI Medical Director to review the feasibility of MRI in the context of the planned study.
2. Submit an application to the FAU MRI Committee, which will review the study, requested hours, voucher request, and other pertinent details.
3. The FAU MRI Committee will provide the investigator with a letter detailing application approvals.
4. Upon meeting FAU MRI safety and training requirements (contact the FAU MRI Technologist for more information), the investigator can submit the protocol to the IRB

After obtaining IRB approval:

1. The investigator will notify the MRI staff and MRI Safety Committee of the IRB approval and that scheduling of MRI scans will be starting.
2. The investigator can begin recruiting and screening participants for their study.
3. The MRI Technologist will assist with scheduling. Investigators can view the MRI schedule and track MRI 3T use through the PPMS portal.

Institutional Review Board (IRB)

All human subjects research accessing the FAU MRI facility must adhere to federally mandated research guidelines. The Research Integrity office at the Division of Research administers the human subjects research protections program via the Institutional Review Board (IRB).

The IRB is the institutional committee responsible for reviewing research protocols, from minimal risk to high-risk, submitted by our investigators. The IRB ensures that these protocols conform to regulations and policies set forth by federal agencies, including the Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) and the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), regarding the health, welfare, safety, rights, and privileges of human subjects.

The MRI Medical Director can provide guidance on best practices for MRI scanning in IRB applications.

Read more information on IRB

MRI Safety Committee (MRISC) Welcome to the MRI Safety Committee for FAU. Purpose of the committee: The committee is charged by the Vice President for Administrative Affairs to oversee compliance with policy and procedures related to the use of MRI at FAU, including approval of research protocols utilizing the FAU MRI Facility.

Learn more about the MRI Safety Committee

Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA)

The FAU MRI Center adheres to FAU’s policies and procedures and complies with the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA). HIPAA is a federal law that establishes national standards for protecting the privacy and security of health information and defines specific rights for individuals regarding their health information.
 
Individually identifiable health information created or received by a “covered entity” qualifies as protected health information (PHI) and is subject to HIPAA rules and regulations. All FAU faculty, staff, and students should be aware of the importance of protecting patient information and be sensitive to the laws and regulations designed to safeguard PHI.

Read more on FAU's HIPAA and research

Services and Rates

Service Name	Description	Units	FAU Internal Rate
MRI Scan	MRI Scan	per hour	$535.00
MRI Read	Scan read by Radiologist	per scan	$75.00

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