Protecting the integrity of personal information is of paramount importance to the CIA. The MRI Console computer will not connect to the internet, nor will any user be allowed under any circumstances to connect any external drive. Data acquired on the MRI console will be automatically reconstructed and synced to the CIA DICOM Server, and investigators will be able to download their scans from that server via an email link they'll receive after each scanning session.

The CIA DICOM Server

Scans from both the 3T and 7T scanners, in DICOM format, undergo de-identification and are given a unique ID as they are passed from the MRI Console to the CIA DICOM server.
The CIA DICOM server exists to protect data and to insulate the scanner consoles from outside connections, and is not intended to house data for long periods of time. This server is behind a firewall, and a download link and CIA login are required to download scans. Scans will be stored on the CIA DICOM server for 2 weeks. Long-term storage in the LONI Image and Data Archive (IDA) is available. The CIA is not responsible for data that has not been sent to an IDA project after 2 weeks.

Data Sharing and the LONI IDA

All subjects and studies are automatically enrolled to share de-identified data through the LONI Image and Data Archive (IDA) database unless PIs elect to opt-out. PIs are able to opt-out of this data sharing mechanism on a per-scan basis.

Investigators also have the option of using the IDA resources to store their data in their own individual "Project" within the IDA, and can elect to send their scans directly from the CIA to their IDA project. IDA projects are access-restricted and investigators have full control over who can view or use their data, and what (if any) sharing they want to enable. Investigators sending data to their own project are able to assign research subject identifiers as part of the send process.

Investigators who elect not to store their data in the IDA receive an email after each scanning session with a link to download their data from the CIA DICOM Server.

More information about the IDA

Setting up your own IDA Project will require you to complete and submit an IDA Project Initiation Form and all of the additional information requested on the form at least two weeks in advance of your first scheduled scan. For further information, you may email dba@loni.usc.edu or call (323) 442-7246.

An IDA user account is required for accessing data within the IDA. Setting up an IDA account (to view existing IDA projects) is free and can be done from ida.loni.usc.edu.