RecruitingOBSERVATIONAL

Development of Novel MR Techniques Using Volunteer Participants

This study is looking for healthy volunteers to help improve how MRI scanners work. MRI scans use strong magnets and radio waves to create detailed images inside your body without using X-rays. Researchers want to develop new MRI techniques to make scans faster, clearer, and able to measure more things. This research focuses on the scanning technology itself, not on checking your health. Millions of MRI scans have been done safely worldwide. We have strict safety checks to make sure it's safe for you to take part. Your experience will be very similar to a normal MRI, and these scans will never be part of your personal medical care.

At a glance

Status

Recruiting

Sponsor

University College, London

Enrolment target

1,500

Start

04 Jun 2007

Estimated completion

30 Nov 2028

Healthy

What is this study about?

Imagine your phone camera is great, but engineers are always trying to make it even better – sharper pictures, faster shots, or new features. This study is a bit like that, but for MRI scanners. MRI (Magnetic Resonance Imaging) is a fantastic tool doctors use to see inside your body without surgery or X-rays, using powerful magnets and radio waves. It’s totally safe for most people and has been used on millions worldwide.

Here at UCLH, we're developing new and improved ways to use these MRI scanners. This means making them faster, getting even clearer pictures, or finding new things they can measure. To do this, we need to test our new scanning methods on healthy volunteers. This isn't about looking for medical problems in you; it's purely about making the MRI technology itself better for future patients and research.

We have very strict safety checks in place before anyone can have an MRI, especially when it comes to any metal in or on your body. These checks make sure it's safe for you to take part. The scans you'd have are solely for research purposes to improve the technology and will never become part of your personal health records or care. We'll always give you clear information and ask for your permission before any scan.

Key takeaways

This study helps improve MRI scanner technology.
It's for healthy adults, aged 18 and over.
Your scans won't be part of your personal health records.
Strict safety checks are always done before a scan.
You can stop participating at any time.

Who may be eligible?

This study is looking for healthy adults aged 18 or older, both men and women, who are completely well. We'll ask a lot of questions to make sure you are suitable and fit our healthy criteria.

However, there are some important reasons why you wouldn't be able to join. If you have a pacemaker, any metal implants like surgical clips or certain dental work, or specific medical devices in your body, you won't be able to participate. This is because the strong magnets in the MRI scanner can affect these items and make it unsafe. Women who might be pregnant also cannot take part due to safety reasons.

Lastly, you need to be able to understand the study information and give your permission (consent) clearly in English. If for any reason you can't fully understand what's involved, you won't be able to join the study.

Could this study suit you?

Answer these quick questions to see if you may be eligible. This is a guide only — the research team makes the final call.

Are you 18 years old or older?
Are you generally healthy with no known serious medical conditions?
Do you NOT have a pacemaker or any metal implants (like certain surgical clips, screws, or shrapnel) in your body?
Are you NOT pregnant (if you are a woman)?
Can you understand information given in English and give permission for the study?

Answer every question to see your result.

What does participation involve?

If you decide to take part, you'll first have a safety check, which involves answering a questionnaire. An experienced MRI technician or physicist will go through this with you to make sure it's completely safe for you to have an MRI scan. If everything is okay, you'll then lie on a bed that slides into the MRI scanner. It's a bit like a tunnel. You'll be given ear protection because the scanner can be quite noisy.

During the scan, you'll need to lie very still. Sometimes, small, temporary markers (like cod liver oil capsules) might be placed on your skin to help the researchers with the imaging. Special plastic coils (which help receive the signal from your body) will be placed around the area being scanned. The whole process, including safety checks and the scan itself, will be explained fully. This study does not involve any medication, injections, or special follow-up visits beyond the scan itself. The total duration will depend on the specific scanning technique being tested, but you'll be told this in advance.

Potential risks and benefits

The main benefit of taking part is helping to advance medical imaging technology, which could lead to better diagnoses and treatments for many people in the future. There are no direct personal health benefits for you as the scans are for research on the equipment, not for checking your health. MRI scans are generally very safe and have no known long-term side effects when proper safety rules are followed. However, there's a very low risk of issues if you have metal in your body that wasn't identified during screening, or if you feel claustrophobic or uncomfortable during the scan. You are free to withdraw from the study at any time, for any reason, without it affecting your medical care or relationship with UCLH.

Locations (1)

Some site locations are approximate. We're improving this — please verify with the trial team before travelling.

University College London
Verified postcode
London, United Kingdom· Recruiting

Common questions

What is an MRI scanner?

An MRI scanner uses strong magnets and radio waves to create detailed pictures of the inside of your body without using X-rays.

Will these scans tell me anything about my own health?

No, these scans are purely for improving the scanner's technology and will not be used to check your personal health or become part of your medical record.

Is it safe to have an MRI?

Yes, MRI scans are very safe for most people. We have strict safety checks to make sure it's safe for you, especially regarding any metal in your body.

How long will I be in the scanner?

The exact time will depend on the specific tests, but you'll be told how long upfront. You'll need to lie still during the scan.

Do I get paid for taking part?

The information provided does not mention payment for participation in this study.

How to find out more

Neela Ramchurn

n.ramchurn1@nhs.net Official trial record

Always speak to your GP or specialist before deciding to take part in a study.