Human Imaging Core

About Us

The state-of-the-art Philips Achieva dStream 3.0T MRI system offers investigators unique access to a 3.0T MR system dedicated to research (CHLA is one of only 3 free-standing Children’s Hospitals in the US with a dedicated research MR scanner), the Philips scanner is the nucleus of a mounting imaging research program here at CHLA. The research dedicated 3.0 T system provides an opportunity to develop, refine, test and implement novel MR protocols and greatly accelerate the implementation of these advanced protocols to the clinical care of patients here at CHLA. In addition, the research agreement with Philips gives the accessibility to research protocols for development and advancement of imaging protocols.

Services

The Human Imaging Core services include protocol development testing, pilot scanning, MRI scanning, and DXA scanning services.

• MRI scanning
• MRI Mock scanner for participant training
• DXA Scanning

Please review the general Core Use Policy.

CoreConnect

This facility utilizes CoreConnect, a web-based core management system that supports the centralization of services and equipment scheduling, billing and usage tracking. Use of the new system is required for all core users, core leaders and core staff.

Learn more about CoreConnect

This Core participates in the CHLA Core Pilot Program. To learn more click here.

CHLA welcomes external users to utilize our Core facilities. Please contact Trinh Luu at tluu@chla.usc.edu.

For any new projects, please complete the Research Project Initiation Form (PIF).

Equipment 

• Philips 3.0 T, Smartpath to DStream
  • Coils
    • 32 channel head coil
    • 16 channel MV coil
    • Transmit-receive head coil
    • Two 32 channel torso coils 
    • Flex coils
• VisuaStim - Video-goggles for use in distraction during structural MR imaging
• Button Boxes - Button fiber optic pads for response tasks. Four-button or split 2 button boxes and response interface.
• BioPac - Physiological monitoring - research MR-compatible patient monitoring equipment (ECG, blood pressure, SpO2, Temperature)
• Mock Scanner - For use in training and preparing participants for MRI scans 
• Dual-Energy X-ray Absorptiometry (DXA) - The DXA Hologic Horizon A system is the latest in densitometry technology. Study acquisition capabilities include DXA of whole body, hips, lumbar spine, and extremities. Machine capabilities include detailed measurements of the body by looking at bone density, lean mass, and fat mass. In addition, system includes pediatric analysis for whole body, spine, femur, forearm, and infant spine DXA using pediatric/BMDCS reference data.

Fee Structure

* The data upload service fee is applied when the Human Imaging Core staff need to pull the images and/or deidentify the images for the requester regardless of data upload location or data sharing methods (e.g., OneDrive, CD, Sponsor Site, etc.).

Core Reagent Inventory

Select Cores offer reagents as part of their purchasable services to the CHLA research community. A searchable Core Reagent Inventory was created in support of the CHLA research community BenchResearchHelp initiative that connects researchers with reagents when in need of a small amount of a reagent, such as an antibody, to determine the efficacy in a particular experiment.

CHLA based investigators are welcomed to browse the Cores Reagent Inventory to access the complete product list for pricing and availability. The database will be updated on an annual basis. Contact the Core for more information.

Learn More

Core Acknowledgment in Publications

How to cite the Core in publications:

The MRI and/or DXA studies were performed in the Human Imaging Core at The Saban Research Institute, Children's Hospital Los Angeles.