What We Do
Our Goal
The primary goal of ScanLabMRTM is to incite all thoughts and practices usually experienced only at the MRI scanner, but without risk to patients and without time constraints in normal clinical practice that can limit the user’s learning process and skill progression.
By combining objective-based examinations, clear scan criteria, and thought-provoking critical thinking questions, the user can grow their confidence and skill within a risk-free, low-stress learning environment.
The core clinical competencies (slice prescription and angulation, contrast and weighting, spatial resolution, tradeoffs and parameters, and patient safety) are independently addressed in order to be localized and understood.
For Educators, our goal is to also improve student outcomes and retention by providing a more efficient method for information transfer, and application of taught didactic concepts.
ScanLabMR Key Features:
Safety Check
Prior to entering the ScanLabMRTM examination, the user will be asked to perform the safety check. This enables the user to not only be tested on safety concepts but also helps to establish healthy habits that ensure safety concerns are addressed prior to beginning any clinical MRI examination.
SliceQuant™
Slice positioning, coverage, field of view, and angulation can be assessed by comparing student slice criteria to our expert established ScanLabMRTM criteria. The user also sees the exact slices that their slice prescriptions have produced within the ScanLabMRTM user interface. These images can be used for future slice prescription and angulation, just as they are in clinical practice.
ContrastLab™
Within ScanLabMRTM, there are ContrastLab™ examinations. Within these examinations, the student is being tested on slice prescription as well as their knowledge and understanding of parameters like TR, TE, TI, Fat Suppression, and flip angle that affect MRI image contrast in both spin, echo and gradient echo sequences.
ResolutionLab™
ResolutionLab™ examinations focus on the user’s understanding of spatial resolution and the parameters that affect it. The user will be asked to acquire MRI images with certain in-plane and through-plane resolutions. This can be accomplished by adjusting certain parameters that impact the size of the acquired MRI imaging voxel. The resulting images will be a true reflection of the acquired spatial resolution.
Critical Thinking Questions
At the end of each ScanLab™ examination, the user will be presented with randomized questions varying in difficulty that serve to challenge their understanding in multiple concept categories, including:
- Anatomy
- Angiography
- Artifacts
- Clinical Procedures
- Parameters and Trade-Offs
- Pathology
- Patient Preparation and Care
- Safety
The user is graded based on their understanding of these individual concepts so that areas of understanding or lack of comprehension can be identified and addressed.