Research Imaging NSW (RINSW)
Who we are
Research Imaging New South Wales (RINSW) is »Ê¹Ú²ÊƱ’s human imaging research core facility. We are fully integrated in the clinical environment of the Prince of Wales Hospital. Our unique infrastructure, operational model and hospital location allow us to serve paediatric and adult populations (including patients) and thereby advance both clinical research and basic science relying on imaging outcomes.
Our team of imaging scientists, radiographers and radiologists is committed to translating imaging innovations into clinical application and creating an easily accessible clinical trial and research imaging infrastructure. We support projects from initial planning to data acquisition, processing and analysis. Key areas of ongoing activities include investigations into basic neurological and behavioural functions, mental illness, neurological disorders, ageing, delirium and dementia, focal epilepsy, cystic fibrosis, blood disorders, imaging in oncology and cancer predisposition syndromes.
Funding partners:
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Capabilities
Instruments
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The Prisma is a 3T whole-body human MRI magnet with advanced RF transmitters and receivers, as well as a high-performance gradient system. Equipped with several multichannel coils and auxiliary equipment, such as an EEG and eye-tracking system, the Prisma is particularly suited for neuroimaging applications. The scanner can be booked for investigator-led or industry/pharma-sponsored national and international research studies.
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The Vida is a 3T wide-bore (70cm) whole-body human MRI magnet with advanced RF transmitters and receivers. It is equipped with multiple multichannel coils and supplemental equipment. Due to its wide bore and BioMatrix Technology, the Vida is particularly suited for cardiac and/or respiratory triggered cardiovascular, abdominal and whole body applications.
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The XV scanner is the first human installation of a new X-ray based technology (X-ray velocimetry) that aims to spatially visualize lung ventilation by acquiring time resolved x-ray projections simultaneously under different angles using multiple sources and detectors.
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The MRI Simulator provides a realistic approximation of an actual MRI scanner in a controlled environment. It introduces the participant to an authentic scanning environment with sound, vision and motion, permitting them to gradually become accustomed to the scanning procedure.
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The MRI Simulator provides a realistic approximation of an actual MRI scanner in a controlled environment. It introduces the participant to an authentic scanning environment with sound, vision and motion, permitting them to gradually become accustomed to the scanning procedure.
Our people
RINSW for researchers
Access our facility
We work with academics, clinicians, and industry researchers on a wide variety of projects. If you are interested in conducting a research study with us, please fill out the project application form below or get in touch for further discussions.
Fees
For publicly funded research, the fee of $725 / hour* is applicable with the following conditions:
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- Use of core equipment
- Data transfer
- Medical supervision, including Duty of Care reporting
- Reasonable** amount of training by facility staff on set up and use of core equipment and data analysis
- Training on safety aspects relating to the operation of core equipment (users are required to complete MR safety training prior to using the facility)
- Use of facility amenities for preparation and wind-down time, such as preparing the participant
- Use of interview room (if available and booked prior)
Fees will be reviewed annually. An annual price increase of 3% to cover cost of living increases is expected.
No charges apply to enquiries/initial consultation with facility staff on the feasibility of research projects.
No charges apply to set up of standard protocols. More extensive method development specific to a research project will be charged.
Use of contrast agents, nursing support, general anaesthesia and sedation will be charged at cost, quoted on a case-by-case basis. Researchers are to approach the facility for quotes.
*Minimum unit of booking. Full fee will be charged even if scan time falls short of full hour.Ìý
**Defined as the amount of training required by a PhD or post doc with a basic understanding of the technique. -
Cancellation fees may be charged. Contact us for more information.
RINSW for study participants
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For two to three hours before your appointment, avoid drinking coffee and other diuretics that may require you to urinate often unless directed otherwise by your study coordinator.
In rare cases, certain types of eye makeup (especially eye liners) may cause problems with the MR images. You may wish to come without makeup to avoid having to remove it for the scan.
Bring only the minimum number of jewellery items (watches, rings, earrings, etc.), as all of these must be removed prior to scanning. Lockers are available in the dressing rooms.
If possible, dress in loose fitting, easy to change clothing. Avoid wearing athletic wear. You will need to change into a hospital gown or scrubs.
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Once you arrive at   You will be screened by a radiographer for MR safety. They will either use your prefilled form or a new one similar to . Please answer truthfully as this regards your personal safety. You will then change into a hospital gown or scrubs to ensure no metal is in your clothing.
Once cleared you will enter the scan room and lie on a bed that transports you into the open chamber inside the MRI. You will be given ear protection as the scan can be very loud.Ìý
Depending on the protocol you are enrolled in, you may either relax and watch a movie or listen to music, or you may need to follow commands. The commands may include breathing manoeuvres or doing tasks. You may be connected to equipment that records your physiological signals such as heartbeat and respiratory motion.
The visit will take between 30min to 2 hours to complete. We will advise you of the estimated timeframe before you enter the scanner, or you can ask your study coordinator for more information. Once inside the scanner, you will be given a squeeze ball to alert us of concerns or distress, and we can see and communicate with you.
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If your child is receiving a scan, they will most likely engage in play therapy to prepare for the experience. If not, please contact us and we can arrange it. We have a mock scanner for this purpose that simulates an MR exam. For certain studies, or if your child is very young, they might be sedated or anaesthetised. Please follow the instructions of your study coordinator in that respect.
If your child is awake, one parent may stay in the room with the child for comfort. In this case, the parent must prepare like a study participant (clothing, safety screening form) and use ear protection.
Depending on the study, your child may be able to watch a movie. We have a small selection, or you can bring a DVD, Blue-Ray disk or other medium to play.
Volunteer for a study
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Research Imaging NSW is recruiting healthy volunteers (18-65yo) for development, testing and optimisation of imaging techniques. This development work in healthy adult volunteers is necessary to maintain and progress the protocols that are used for research and clinical imaging at our facility and elsewhere.
If you are interested in participating, you must be between 18-65 years and have no medical conditions or implanted devices that would prevent you from undergoing an MRI scan. The study involves lying in an MRI scanner for about an hour. In very rare cases, we may fit you with ancillary devices such as a pulse oximeter to monitor blood gases, ECG to monitor your heart rate, EEG to monitor brain waves, or a breathing gas mask to deliver oxygen. We will use the information from your scan to optimise the MR exam and show the efficacy of the protocol being tested.
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If you are interested in joining our volunteer program, please read the Patient Information Sheet and Consent Form (PISCF) and email researchimaging@unsw.edu.au or call +61 468 596 334 if you have questions. We will contact you when a study opportunity arises. If you choose not to participate, your decision will not affect your relationship with »Ê¹Ú²ÊƱ Sydney.
Contact us
Research Imaging New South Wales
Level 1, Building 3
Prince of Wales HospitalÌý
Randwick NSW 2031
Phone:Ìý(02) 9348 1746
Mobile:Ìý0468 596 334
Email:Ìýresearchimaging@unsw.edu.au
Access: Use the Prince of Wales Hospital entrance on High Street across from the Randwick Lightrail station. Upon entering, turn left at the reception/information desk and walk down the corridor until you reach a set of stairs and a lift. Go down to Level 1 and you will reach the waiting area of Research Imaging NSW on the left-hand side. Please buzz the intercom upon arrival and a staff member will grant you access.Ìý
Parking: 2-hour free parking is available at Woolworths (enter via Avoca Street). Alternatively, there is ample off-street parking throughout Randwick.
Resources
Incidental findings workflow
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Get in touch about your project
We work with a wide variety of researchers and projects - from academic and clinical studies to partnerships with government and industry.
Please get in touch to discuss how we can use our expertise and facilities to support your research goals.
