Regulations for Scanning at the MR Centre
The ACH MR Research Centre has received approval from AHS to scan research participants.
Access to the MR Centre is through the Diagnostic Imaging main entrance.
The ACH MR Research Centre (MR Centre) has received approval from AHS to proceed to Stage 2.
The following research is now permitted at the MR Centre, starting June 1, 2021:
- All active research studies can begin scanning.
- New studies can also be requested.
- The mock scanner is available for training participants.
AHS has advised the University of it’s Immunization of Workers for COVID-19 Policy which came into effect on September 14, 2021. The policy requires all employees, medical and midwifery staff, students, volunteers and contracted healthcare providers to be fully immunized for COVID-19 by November 30, 2021. This policy applies to all non-AHS employed researchers, including research coordinators, associates or research monitors, who require physical access to AHS facilities. Therefore, if any of your research staff are accessing AHS facilities, they must be fully vaccinated by November 30th. All fully-vaccinated students, staff and faculty must upload their proof of vaccination on the Thrive Health Portal immediately.
Staff and students must practice the continuous masking. Please see the Instructions (PDF) for how to wear a mask, if you are unfamiliar. Cloth masks are acceptable until you can obtain an AHS provided mask. An "AHS mask" is a surgical/procedure mask.
Effective March 31, 2023, Daily Fit for Work Screening is no longer required.
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Students and Postdocs
Read and follow the UCalgary “Experiential Learning Guidelines.” All students must acknowledge the AHS and UCalgary guidelines, and consent to the arrangements. This should be done in writing/email to your supervisor.
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Staff
Staff should read the "Return to Campus Guide" for returning to on-site work, as these principles for main campus should be generally followed.
More info for staff:
UCalgary Faculty & Staff Support During the COVID-19 Pandemic
When visiting ACH for clinical reasons and/or research interactions, participants should be advised what (if any) impact this may have on them in terms of risk and COVID exposure.
Risk communication - consent modifications
New risk information must be communicated in written or oral form before participants visit ACH using a consent form addendum or a discussion script. This should highlight the new information, reference the original consent and provide the participant the choice to either continue with the study or withdraw. Where ongoing consent is obtained orally, it should be documented.
When switching to online meeting tools, the CHREB requests that additional information be provided in the consent regarding data security provisions.
Any changes to study process (recruitment, data collection, consent form) must be submitted as a modification through IRISS. Changes can be implemented to remove immediate risk in advance of REB approval but should be submitted at the earliest opportunity (within 5 business days).
Please contact chreb@ucalgary.ca with any questions.
High Field Development Program Consent Forms have been modified to reflect COVID exposure and risk and have received CHREB approval.
Adult Consent Form (DOC) | Parent Consent Form (DOC)
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Risk With Research Interaction Added Onto Existing Clinical Visit
- Increased time within a health care facility.
- Increased exposure to other people (e.g., patients, participants or others).
- Privacy and security of the IT/communication platforms used to limit in-person interactions.
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Risk For Community Volunteers (Research Interactions Not Tied To Existing Clinic)
- Risks associated with travel (e.g., public transit).
- Time within a health care facility.
- Exposure to other people.
- Privacy and security of the IT/communication platforms used to limit in-person interactions.
- On the day of scan, participants and guardian(s) should be screened for symptoms or exposure to COVID-19 before entering the MR area. No prior screening is required.
- No COVID-19 positive patients permitted on research scanner.
- Participants can complete the COVID-19 screening online by visiting https://visitationscreening.albertahealthservices.ca or by scanning the QR code located on posters at the entrance of the hospital. This screening should be completed no more than 4 hours before the participant's arrival time.
- Face masks and appropriate hand hygiene is mandated for anyone entering the facility
- Cloth masks are acceptable until an AHS surgical/procedure mask is provided.
- For all non-staff participants, researchers must use the AHS “Patient and/or Accompanying Adult COVID-19 Transfer Risk Assessment Screening tool”.
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3T Procedure
These points are summarized in a COVID-19 Procedure Checklist PDF
- Access to the MR Centre is through the Diagnostic Imaging main entrance.
- The console room has a suggested 4-person limit.
- Participants can remove their masks when being positioned in the scanner and for the duration of the scan. A clean mask will be provided upon completion of the scan.
- If participants prefer to be masked, then they may use the Vanch brand with non-metallic nose bridge (see labelled box "MR Safe").
- Researchers will maintain continuous masking.
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Mock Scanner Procedure
- A member of the research team must meet participants at the main entrance and escort them to the Mock Scanner room.
- Mock scanner bookings do not have access to the MR area waiting room.
- If a researcher, student or staff test for COVID-19, follow the instructions in this document (PDF) In addition to the instructions provided in the AHS procedure please inform CAIR leadership, Signe Bray and Perry Radau.
- If a community volunteer tests positive for COVID-19, and was at ACH during their infectious window, the PI must immediately inform ACH Site Command Post SCP.Calgary.ACH@ahs.ca, cc’ing slbray@Ucalgary.ca and perrry.radau1@ucalgary.ca. Be sure to maintain confidentiality wherever possible and follow the instructions of the ACH Command Post.
Researchers involved with scanning will be trained in the expected IPC procedures they need to follow during Level 1 training.
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PPE
- Please watch this video covering hygiene, handwashing and PPE donning and doffing.
- Please read the PPE FAQ (PDF). Please also see additional information about Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)
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Cleaning
- Clean door handles and high-touch areas in addition to routine cleaning procedures for MR scanner and facility.
- Cavi wipes should be used to disinfect surfaces and objects.
More Information
Please email Dr. Signe Bray (slbray@ucalgary.ca) and Dr. Perry Radau (perry.radau1@ucalgary.ca) with any questions, comments, or concerns regarding the CAIR relaunch.