Translational Bioimaging Resource (TBIR)
The MRI facility is part of the Translational Bioimaging Resource (TBIR) and is housed in the basement of the Biosciences Research Labs (BSRL) building. The official address of the building is:
Bioscience Research Laboratory
1230 N Cherry Ave.
Tucson AZ, 85719
TBIR serves as a university-wide resource for pre-clinical biomedical imaging. The resource has the capability to image small biological constructs, small and large animals, and humans. For imaging small biological constructs and small animals the TBIR includes intra-vital microscopy, MRI, ultrasound, CT, PET, SPECT, and bioluminescence. For imaging larger animals and humans the resource includes MRI and ultrasound. The resource includes personnel to help you with project development and to help you use the equipment. Please contact TBIR@arizona.edu to learn more about TBIR's imaging resources and services.
Visit this link for facility access : https://bbic.arizona.edu/resources/mri-facility-access
Scanners
The Siemens Skyra 3T has Syngo MR VE11c software (as of Nov 14, 2018). 7 new licenses have been installed (3D ASL, Abd Dot, Freeze IT, Liver Lab, Multiband, MyoMaps, Resolve, SMS). In addition, several WIPs (beta sequences) have been updated to work with the new VE11C software. A 32 channel head coil and a 20 channel head coil are available.
Please treat all the equipment carefully! This equipment is a shared resource that is used daily (and sometimes nightly) by multiple labs. The equipment is highly specialized and, therefore, very expensive, and many components and cables are fragile.
We have tried to set the computer and the equipment up in a way that will work for everyone. If there is anything that doesn't work or that could be set up better, please get in touch with Scott Squire (ssquire@arizona.edu), the head MRI technician.
In general, someone who weighs over 300 pounds and is not that tall probably will not fit comfortably in the bore.
You are expected to abide by the TBIR Code of Conduct. Please read it.
Download a copy of the MRI screening form.
Take the MRI Scanner Virtual Tour
Data Transfer
Data can be transferred from the scanner over the network. Alternatively, you can copy data onto a USB drive (the top USB slot in the console computer is USB 3.0)
TBIR New Scanners Update
A new Siemens 3T scanner is expected to arrive in March 2025. A lower strength 0.55T scanner is also expected in 2025.