Training
Safety Training
Anyone planning to work near the MRI scanner at CFMRI must complete MRI safety training. The course requirements are the same for 3T and 7T trainees.
How do I sign up for Safety Training?
Click on “Register new user” link.
- Fill out the New User Registration. You must register using your institution email address.
Login name is the first half of your institution email address.
User type: select “Safety Quiz Participant” on the dropdown menu.
Create a unique password for your Calpendo user account.
See additional details in the image below.
Upcoming Safety Training Sessions
New training periods are open every 2-3 weeks.Please contact ajacobson@ucsd.edu for info on the next available session.Download & carefully review the required safety training materials:
The following screening forms are used in human imaging sessions. A thorough understanding of the info contained in these forms is a requirement for all safety trainees (3T & 7T). Information contained in these forms will be on the online safety quiz.
A link to the Safety Lecture will be included in your safety training registration email from Calpendo.
After you complete the Safety Lecture, you will need to complete the “Safety Trainee Pre-entry Screening Form”. Submit the completed form to Aaron Jacobson (ajacobson@health.ucsd.edu), indicating that you have completed the Safety Lecture and careful review of the required materials listed above.
You will receive an email invitation to take the safety quiz. Follow the login instructions on the email. Upon completed the quiz, a test result will be displayed instantly. The pass rate is 37/40 questions at 92.5%. You are allowed to retake the quiz on the same day.
We encourage everyone to attend the safety lecture even if they do not need the official training. Any questions, email cfmri@ucsd.edu.
MRI Operator Training
How do I sign up for Hands-on Operator training?
You must have attended safety training and have passed the safety quiz.
The Project PI must complete an operator training request form.
CFMRI Staff will schedule an on-site training and contact you with dates and times.
Attend two 2-hour Operator Training sessions (hands-on at the MRI scanner your project plans to use)
After the training sessions, gain scanning experience under the supervision of existing operators of your project.
Once you feel comfortable with scanner operation, MR safety, and subject interaction in the MR environment, contact CFMRI Staff to schedule an operator certification sign-off session.
Once operators have been signed off by CFMRI Trainers, a signed Operator Certificate will be awarded.
After successful completion of safety and MRI operator training, access to relevant areas and resources in the CFMRI building will be added to your UCSD proximity badge.
Contact Aaron Jacobson (ajacobson@health.ucsd.edu) and Johnsie Donaldson (jdonaldsonii@health.ucsd.edu) for badge activation details or related questions.
Mock Scanner Training
Click
hereto read the Mock Scanner Manual. For training contact Aaron Jacobson (ajacobson@health.ucsd.edu).Contact Aaron Jacobson (ajacobson@health.ucsd.edu) and Johnsie Donaldson (jdonaldsonii@health.ucsd.edu) for badge access to the Mock Scanner.
User Safety Training Verification
Verifying the safety training status of your imaging team is critical to ensuring a safe environment while at the CFMRI. The CFMRI team actively manages the safety training process and and monitors the safety trained status of trainees.
To maintain your safety training status, you must complete the safety training course through CFMRI and re-take the online quiz annually.
During an active MRI session, it is the responsibility of the operator listed on the Calpendo schedule to ensure that all safety procedures are followed during the imaging session. One of the primary responsibilities is to ensure that only fully screened research volunteers and CFMRI safety trained individuals can access the magnet room.
Please use the information below to confirm the safety status of anyone in your lab who needs to access the magnet room during MRI sessions.
Verification Process
Log into Calpendo: https://cfmri.calpendo.com
Using the “Safety Quiz” tab on the main menu, select “User Quiz Safety Date”.
Type the name of the user you are checking (LastName FirstName).
“Confirm” the selection.
“Submit” the request.
The most recent safety training quiz results will be displayed.
If the latest quiz pass date is more than 1 year ago, the safety training status of the user has lapsed, and they will need to retake the quiz ASAP.
Please reach out to ajacobson@health.ucsd.edu is you have any questions or issues with this process.
Handheld Metal Detector Screening Guide
Proper usage of the handheld metal detector is critical to ensuring a safe environment for research volunteers and imaging team members.
ALL subjects must be screened with the metal detector prior to entry into the magnet room.
The CFMRI scanner operator listed on the Calpendo schedule is responsible for maintaining a safe environment during MRI sessions. In addition to the onsite training received, key items regarding proper metal detector usage are listed below.
Preparation
Verify completion of MRI safety screening form before using the detector.
Ask the volunteer to remove all metal items: Keys, coins, wallet, watch, jewelry, piercings, hairpins, glasses, belt, shoes with metal parts, clothing with zippers or snaps.
Ensure the person is standing facing you, arms slightly away from their sides.
Confirm the handheld detector is working properly (turn on, check battery, test on a known metal object).
Screening Procedure
Perform the scan slowly and systematically, keeping the detector about 1–2 inches (2–5 cm) from the body.
Start at the head, move down around the ears and neck.
Pass down each arm, including wrists and hands.
Sweep across the chest, abdomen, and waistline.
Continue down legs to the ankles and feet.
Repeat from the head down, including shoulder blades, back pockets, and buttocks area.
Scan down the back of legs to the heels.
If the Detector Alarms
Stop and localize the area where the alarm sounds.
Ask the volunteer to check that area for hidden or forgotten items (e.g., hair clips, hearing aids, implanted devices, metal fasteners).
Rescan after removal if appropriate.
If a medical implant (e.g., pacemaker, aneurysm clip, cochlear implant) is suspected or confirmed, stop the screening and notify the MRI technologist or safety officer.
Final Steps
Confirm that no alarm sounds when the scan is repeated.
Allow the volunteer to change into MRI-safe clothing if available.
Document that the handheld screening was completed and no metal was detected.
Important Safety Notes
The handheld detector is a supplemental tool — not a substitute for a thorough written and verbal MRI safety screening.
Never use the detector as justification to ignore “Yes” responses on the safety form.
Do not bring the handheld detector itself into the MRI magnet room.