Participant Information
Table of contents
What is magnetic resonance imaging?
Magnetic resonance imaging, or MRI for short, is an imaging procedure. It produces layered images of the inside of the body, which can be used to study the structure and function of organs and tissues.
In contrast to X-ray or CT examinations, MRI does not use ionizing radiation. MRI is therefore considered safe and has not yet been proven to be harmful to the human body.
What is the purpose of MRI studies?
The study you are participating is part of research at the University Hospital of Psychiatry (PUK) or at an institute that uses the infrastructure of the MRZ. The MRI machine uses a field strength of 3 Tesla and is approved for diagnostic patient examinations.
It is crucial for research to examine new developments on study participants.
In this way, the benefits for medical applications can be optimized. The principal investigator will inform you about the specific objectives of the current study.
What happens during the examination?
During imaging examinations, the subject is placed in a type of tube with a strong magnetic field. During the examination, the device generates additional magnetic fields that are considerably weaker than the base field. The switching of these fields is noticeable through knocking and humming noises, which can reach a volume of up to 120 decibels.
Participants must wear earplugs and/or headphones for protection. The device also works with radio waves that are similar to those of radios and cell phones. The different fields are combined in such a way that the hydrogen atoms in the body are stimulated and generate a resonance signal. This is received by highly sensitive antennas and assembled into an image by powerful computers.
Incidental findings in research studies
The examinations carried out as part of the study are not primarily intended for diagnostic clarification and therefore cannot be used for individual (exclusion) diagnostics. However, incidental findings may be discovered that could possibly lead to the diagnosis, treatment or prevention of existing or possible future diseases.
Before the start of the study, you can decide whether you would like to be informed about incidental findings by ticking the appropriate box on the consent form.
Is there a risk for participants and what protective measures apply?
According to current knowledge, magnetic resonance procedures pose no risk to the human body or human health. Known dangers only arise from metal parts or electronic implants in the body. It is therefore important that you complete the participant questionnaire carefully. The person in charge will be happy to answer any questions you may have.
The device used in the MR center of the PUK (MRZ PUK) and the strength of the magnetic field used (3 Tesla) have been used regularly in hospitals for routine diagnostics in children and adults for many years. No negative effects on health have been identified to date.
However, please avoid rapid movements in the magnetic field as they can lead to temporary dizziness or a metallic taste in the mouth. Short flashes of light are also occasionally perceived.
The legal limits for radio waves are strictly adhered to during MRI examinations and the same limits apply as for cell phones to avoid effects on the body.
To protect you from the knocking noises during the examination, you will be provided with hearing protection that complies with occupational health regulations.You can contact the staff at any time via an intercom system.Participants in MRI examinations are insured against possible damage. In addition, you can of course withdraw from the planned study at any time without giving reasons and without any disadvantage to you.
Although no side effects for fetuses have been documented to date, MRI examinations for research purposes should not be carried out on healthy pregnant test subjects.
