Magnetice Resonance Imaging (MRI)
MRI stands for Magnetic Resonance Imaging, and is an incredible tool that is regularly used within neuroscience and related research. An MRI machine uses powerful magnetic fields that allow computers to pick up signals that come from inside the body. These signals are then translated into high-resolution images that allow researchers to identify what is happening inside the body, and in our case the brain.
Magnetic resonance imaging is completely safe for both mom and baby during and after pregnancy. The MRI scans do not use radiation and are completely non-invasive– we never use sedation, dyes, or contrasts in our scans. The most important consideration is that participants don’t have metal on or inside their body, since the MRI is a very powerful magnet. Before participants are invited to join our studies, we conduct comprehensive screeners to ensure they are a good candidate for MRI.
MRI visits will be led by one of our trained Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologists, who will be accompanied by our research assistants to ensure each visit runs smoothly. Our team works directly under our Lab director (PI) Dr. Cassandra Hendrix, who has over 10 years of experience conducting MRI scans with pregnant women.
For more information on Magnetic Resonance Imaging take a look at the link below.
MRI stands for Magnetic Resonance Imaging, and is an incredible tool that is regularly used within neuroscience and related research. An MRI machine uses powerful magnetic fields that allow computers to pick up signals that come from inside the body. These signals are then translated into high-resolution images that allow researchers to identify what is happening inside the body, and in our case the brain.
Magnetic resonance imaging is completely safe for both mom and baby during and after pregnancy. The MRI scans do not use radiation and are completely non-invasive– we never use sedation, dyes, or contrasts in our scans. The most important consideration is that participants don’t have metal on or inside their body, since the MRI is a very powerful magnet. Before participants are invited to join our studies, we conduct comprehensive screeners to ensure they are a good candidate for MRI.
MRI visits will be led by one of our trained Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologists, who will be accompanied by our research assistants to ensure each visit runs smoothly. Our team works directly under our Lab director (PI) Dr. Cassandra Hendrix, who has over 10 years of experience conducting MRI scans with pregnant women.
For more information on Magnetic Resonance Imaging take a look at the link below.
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Fetal MRI
Images from an MRI scan are similar to images produced from an ultrasound scan, but are able to provide clearer images with more detail. Fetal MRI scans are very similar to regular MRI scans done on adults. The MRI machine uses magnetic fields to quickly capture ‘snap shot' images of the baby from inside the womb. This allows researchers to track a baby’s development with greater accuracy. Since the comfort of our participants is very important to us, our team at the REEF Lab schedules MRI visits for 1-2 hours to ensure there is enough time for our participating moms to take breaks or adjust their bodies position as needed. Our MRI team will check in regularly to make sure you are comfortable, and you can ask to stop the scan at any time. For more information on Fetal MRI click the links below. |
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Infant MRI
Many developmental changes are occurring in a baby’s brain during the short time after birth that Infant MRI scans play a vital role in providing researchers with important information that allows them to identify these changes and how they may impact a baby’s development long-term.
At the REEF Lab, infant MRI scans are only conducted while the baby is naturally asleep and our team will try to schedule visits based on the baby's natural sleep cycle. Our MRI team at the REEF Lab provides MRI approved swaddles and pacifiers to ensure that our Infant participants are as comfortable as possible during the MRI process. One of our staff members will always be in the same room as our infant participants and will stop the scan right away at any point a baby wakes up during their scan.
For more information on Infant MRI click the link below.
Many developmental changes are occurring in a baby’s brain during the short time after birth that Infant MRI scans play a vital role in providing researchers with important information that allows them to identify these changes and how they may impact a baby’s development long-term.
At the REEF Lab, infant MRI scans are only conducted while the baby is naturally asleep and our team will try to schedule visits based on the baby's natural sleep cycle. Our MRI team at the REEF Lab provides MRI approved swaddles and pacifiers to ensure that our Infant participants are as comfortable as possible during the MRI process. One of our staff members will always be in the same room as our infant participants and will stop the scan right away at any point a baby wakes up during their scan.
For more information on Infant MRI click the link below.
Fetal Heart Rate Monitoring (FECG)
Between in-person visits, we may ask our participants to complete fetal heart-rate monitoring sessions from home using a portable FECG device that will be provided by the lab.
FECG stands for Fetal Electrocardiogram and works by detecting the electrical signals that the body naturally produces. Our team uses these devices to measure uterine activity, fetal heart rate, and the participant's heart rate. The device is called Femom and is manufactured by Biorithm, LTD. The FECG device is portable, lightweight and non-invasive. The only risk associated with using this device is minor skin irritation when removing the electrode stickers.
For more information about FECG and the device you can visit the links below.
Between in-person visits, we may ask our participants to complete fetal heart-rate monitoring sessions from home using a portable FECG device that will be provided by the lab.
FECG stands for Fetal Electrocardiogram and works by detecting the electrical signals that the body naturally produces. Our team uses these devices to measure uterine activity, fetal heart rate, and the participant's heart rate. The device is called Femom and is manufactured by Biorithm, LTD. The FECG device is portable, lightweight and non-invasive. The only risk associated with using this device is minor skin irritation when removing the electrode stickers.
For more information about FECG and the device you can visit the links below.
Hair Sample Collection
We may ask participants to provide hair samples during their in-person visits. We use these hair samples to measure cortisol (a type of stress hormone) over time. There are many ways researchers choose to collect this kind of data such as by collecting blood samples or saliva. Our team at the REEF Lab collects hair samples because it is quick, accurate and non-invasive. Only a very small amount of hair is collected, and the hair collection process will be carried out by one of our trained team members.
For more information on hair collection in research please click the link below.
We may ask participants to provide hair samples during their in-person visits. We use these hair samples to measure cortisol (a type of stress hormone) over time. There are many ways researchers choose to collect this kind of data such as by collecting blood samples or saliva. Our team at the REEF Lab collects hair samples because it is quick, accurate and non-invasive. Only a very small amount of hair is collected, and the hair collection process will be carried out by one of our trained team members.
For more information on hair collection in research please click the link below.
Participant Data and Access
Only authorized study staff will have access to your data. Any personally identifiable information will be stored on a HIPAA-compliant, encrypted cloud server. Data used for research analysis will be de-identified, meaning it will be attached to a study ID number, rather than to your name.
Only authorized study staff will have access to your data. Any personally identifiable information will be stored on a HIPAA-compliant, encrypted cloud server. Data used for research analysis will be de-identified, meaning it will be attached to a study ID number, rather than to your name.
If you have any questions that were not addressed in the information provided above, you may also contact us by giving us a call at (805) 242-8408 or by email at [email protected].