hMRC Rates & Services

Services

As a core facility, the Human Magnetic Resonance Center is a resource for basic and translational MRI and MRS research both from investigators on-campus and off.

Functional Neuroimaging
UMass Amherst neuroscientists use state-of-the-art structural and functional brain imaging techniques. Functional MRI (fMRI) is used to determine areas of the brain that contribute to performance of specific tasks. High-resolution structural images can be useful for identifying changes in the brain such as those associated with development, aging, or disease.

Spectroscopy
Magnetic resonance spectroscopy (MRS) is used to measure the molecular composition of a tissue or muscle.

Structural imaging
In addition to structural brain imaging, static imaging of bone and tissue is used to identify skeletal, muscular, or differences across populations or individuals.

Staff physicists are available to assist new users with protocol development, implementation, and analysis. Services include:

• Consultation and development of MRI and MRS protocols
• Consultation and development of MR-compatible stimuli and participant interface
• Analysis of pilot data and training and assistance with subsequent studies
• Assistance with MR aspects of grant proposals.

We provide four different levels of scan services to accommodate your studies:

• Developmental Scan: To work on sequence and protocol developmental for a purposed study idea. Testing equipment and study concept and design in working towards establishing a optimized study protocol prior to data collection.
• Feasibility Scan: To evaluate the feasibility of conducting your study using our facility and protocols, we may offer 1-2 courtesy scans once your feasibility scan request is approved by our director. These scans are not intended for the collection of research data, but rather as a final run through before data collection begins. These are only performed after developmental work has been completed and confirmed by hMRC staff. While it is not mandatory to have an approved IRB protocol, it is recommended for studies involving human subjects.
• Pilot Scan: To collect a limited number of preliminary data to demonstrate an effect or support for a hypothesis, for the purpose of a grant application only. You can apply for pilot scans to obtain pilot data at a reduced scan fee. An approved IRB protocol is required to proceed with acquiring pilot data, along with meeting eligibility conditions.
• Regular Scan: To collect research data in conjunction with an approved IRB protocol,  at the full rate. Regular Scans can only be approved once a study has cleared Developmental and Feasibility Scans.
• Other Scans: We also offer courtesy scans for purposes such as student training and education, equipment/sequence testing/troubleshooting. Approval from hMRC director is necessary for these scans. 

Please apply to scanning of all types using the Study Application.