The CIA takes the safety of its visitors and staff very seriously. For that reason, we have restricted access to sensitive areas to those personnel who have received proper training and safety certification. The training procedures are outlined below.

All users are required to complete at least the Level 1 - Basic Safety Training via the safety video and quiz. More advanced users who require additional safety clearance must complete the Level 2 - Advanced Safety training via the safety video and quiz. All certifications of successful quiz completion with 100% should be submitted to the CIA admin. The CIA admin will record and track user safety training completion.

Level 2 User training must be completed for investigators who wish to have access to the scanner outside of normal operating hours and without the assistance of the MRI technologist. Please contact the CIA admin for more information on receiving (or, in the case of training completed elsewhere, verifying and waiving) CIA user safety training.

There are three categories of users: a) Visitor, b) Level 1, and c) Level 2. Each user category has different scanning abilities, access, and training requirements. For further information about the access zones, please see CIA Safety Policy.

A Visitor is defined as any person who does not enter the MRI room or interact with the scanner operations. A Visitor may only be present as a guest of an Level 1 or Level 2 user, and the Level 1/Level 2 user assumes all responsibility for the Visitor.

A Level 1 user is defined as any person in the scanner control room who will be entering the MRI room or interacting with any part of the scanner operations. Level 1s may only scan during peak hours (Monday – Sunday except holidays, 7 am to 7 pm) and require either the MRI technologist or a Level 2 user to be present. Level 1s may also serve as the second person for off-peak hours scanning with an MRI technologist or Level 2 user. Level 1s may only bring individuals into the MRI room or operate the scanner console with the direct approval and supervision of the MRI technologist or Level 2 user. All PIs must meet the requirements of at least a Level 1 in order for anyone in their group to be eligible for active or Level 2 user status.

A Level 2 user is defined as any person in the scanner control room who will be entering the MRI room or interacting with any part of the scanner operations with a detailed understanding of MRI room and scanner console operations. Level 2 users may scan during peak hours with either an MRI technologist or second person (Level 1 or Level 2 user) present. Level 2 users may also scan during off-peak hours with a second person (Level 1, Level 2 user or MRI technologist) present. Level 2 users may perform operations in the MRI room or on the scanner console without requiring permission from others. Level 2 users are responsible for ensuring that Level 1s under their supervision abide by all CIA policies.

Visitor
A Visitor does not require any formal training to observe an MRI scanning session. However, as stated before, they may only enter the scanner control room as the guest of a Level 1 or Level 2 user, and the Level 1/Level 2 user will be responsible for them.

Level 1
All Level 1 users should meet the following requirements:

1. Each Level 1 should undergo basic MRI safety training and pass a basic competency quiz, as explained in the CIA Safety Policy. The quiz will cover safety procedures, emergency contacts, and basic scanner operation. MRI safety training must be maintained and renewed every two years.
2. Each Level 1 should be listed on an approved IRB protocol for human subjects research with MRI, under which they are scanning. The IRB should be submitted to the MRI training committee and include a section on compliance with all CIA MRI policies. All Level 1s have an obligation to adhere to approved IRB procedures for research protocols.
3. Each Level 1 is responsible for maintaining his or her own requirements and updating records with the MRI training committee. Failure to maintain up-to-date requirements will result in a loss of Level 1 status.

Level 2
All Level 2 users should fulfill all requirements for Level 1 status.
In addition, Level 2 users should supply documentation that they have conducted at least 10 full scanner sessions (minimum 1 hour each) under the supervision of a Level 2 user or MRI technologist, with each session (date, time, scan number, scanning protocols used) signed off on by the supervising party. Level 2 user training requirements must be met for each scanner used (e.g., separate training required for 3T and 7T scanners). In lieu of these training requirements, individuals with at least 1 year of hands-on scanning experience on a comparable (e.g., Siemens 3T scanner) scanner may apply for Level 2 user status with similar documentation (e.g., approximate number of scans conducted, scanner used, years scanned, and scanning protocols used). All Level 2 user applications may be subject to an oral examination and/or hands-on competency exam. All applications for Level 2 user status will be reviewed and approved by the MRI training committee. Level 2 user status must be renewed every two years.

Students
The CIA may also be used for training students in the context of a course. All students should complete the requirements to be Level 1s. In addition, the course instructor should be present with the students at all times.

Non-research Personnel
Non-research personnel (such as custodians and other members of the Facilities Management team) who may require routine access to scanner or equipment room must pass an orientation every two years (see below).