Healthy volunteers needed for research MRI scans
Hyperpolarized Xenon gas magnetic resonance imaging for chronic lung disease research: healthy volunteers
We are now recruiting healthy volunteers for MRI scans that form the basis of a research project within the radiology department on cystic fibrosis and other lung diseases.
Purpose of study
These MRI scans will help the research team evaluate the amount of air getting to different parts of the lungs and the blood supply to the lungs in healthy people and then compare these values with those found in patients. The aim eventually is to develop a way of monitoring lung disease progression in patients without requiring the use of CT scans or X-rays (which carry dangers from repeated radiation exposure).
What is involved?
As part of this study, volunteers will be asked to breathe from a specially prepared bag of Xenon gas whilst having an MRI scan. Xenon is an inert gas and does not interact with anything in the body at these low volumes. The special preparation involves hyperpolarizing (‘magnetising’) the gas so that it is more visible in the scanner. This again is a harmless procedure and does not carry risk of any complications or long-lasting effects. Having an MRI scan is a safe procedure and does not involve exposure to harmful radiation.
You will not have to have any injections or any other invasive procedure. After the scan, you may be asked to breathe into a piece of equipment so that we can measure the volume and pressure of the air in your lungs.
The scans and tests will not have any direct diagnostic or other benefit for you but you will have the satisfaction of having contributed to research which could lead to better diagnosis, treatment and care for lung disease patients at Royal Papworth Hospital and beyond.
We will be able to refund any reasonable expenses you incur in attending for the scan.
Are there any exclusions?
We welcome enquiries from any generally healthy people (between the ages of 18 – 70). However, we would have to exclude you from the study if you are suffering from any on-going or short-lasting respiratory illness or if you are a smoker or have smoked in the past. You should not volunteer if you think you may be pregnant, as MRI is not recommended in pregnancy.
You will also have to be of reasonably slim build: this is because you will have to fit inside an MRI coil with an elliptical aperture of dimensions 450 mm x 340 mm. If you're not sure whether you satisfy this criterion, we can determine this with you on initial discussion, before you enrol on the study.
Some people can feel claustrophobic in an MRI scanner: if you know you are affected by this it is worth being aware that we would not in this case be able to offer you a sedative to help with these feelings. However, you would be able to stop the scan at any time if you feel uncomfortable.
Time commitment:
The visit for the scan should not last for longer than 1 hour in the radiology department.
Contacts:
If you are interested in volunteering to take part in this study, please contact one of the following for further information:-
Dr Nick Screaton (Consultant Radiologist): n.screaton@nhs.net
Dr Andrew Gill (Clinical Scientist): andrew.gill7@nhs.net
In the first instance you will be given a Participant Information Sheet to read so that you understand the details of what is involved in taking part. If you agree, you will then be asked to sign a consent form. Subsequently, you will be invited to have a MRI scan though you may refuse this and may withdraw from the study at any stage.