2021-06-24 MRRC: Operations Policy Update Effective July 1st, 2021

Greetings MRRC Community,

I hope everyone is well! The MRRC is excited to share some major changes in our operations that we feel will help our community with their research. The major changes are listed below and the current version of the COVID-19 SOP is attached. Please review the SOP with your staff so they are aware of these major changes.

SOP/Operations Updates and Changes:

• We will be operating all systems on a normal schedule
• Each system will be cleaned between uses based on the effectiveness of the cleaning product (1-4 minutes). The start of each scan may be delayed a few minutes.
• The consent and waiting room will open. The waiting room will be used for the RA and research participant to wait for their table time. Family members/support staff may not wait in the waiting area. The waiting area cannot exceed 6 people. The consent room will open with a maximum capacity of 2 people. Please continue to follow the posted signage and do not exceed the number of people in one area.
• Please do not come to the MRRC unless you have previously scheduled and been approved for a scan or ancillary area
• The MRRC will no longer call when we are ready, users and their research participant can come to the MRRC for their scheduled time and utilize the waiting area or go directly to the ancillary area they have reserved.
• When users arrive at the MRRC please continue to be respectful of research/clinical scans that are being run and not enter Zone’s II, III, or IV (Screening area, Control Room Areas/Magnet room) to inform MRRC staff you have arrived or how much longer for your table time. This is to protect research and patient confidentiality. Please continue to use the red phone in the waiting room or call 412-647-9701.
• Please continue to complete COVID-19 Screening 24 hours before they arrive at the MRRC with their research participants and continue to clean the ancillary areas they use.
• Masks are required for anyone entering the MRRC and while using our facility. The only exception is for the research participant/patient while in the magnet.
• If any of the policies are not followed the MRRC will issue a warning for the first violation by email. If there is a second violation MRRC privileges will be suspended and reported to their department chair and University of Pittsburgh IRB/UPMC OSPARS office.

Announcement:

• A simulator will be available as soon, it is located in the MRRC room B836a. A maximum of 2 people are allowed in the area at a time. Cleaning like the other ancillary areas will be the responsibility of the user. This area must be requested using through the scheduling system.

Reminders:

• Please check with your staff to ensure they are receiving communications from the MRRC, if you would like to have someone added to our distribution list, please let contact Jen Dobberstein (dobbersteinj@pitt.edu)
• Our Communications and Policies are posted on our website.
• Continue to wear a mask when you are in UPMC/Pitt buildings
• Wash your hands or use hand sanitizer

If you have any questions please let us know! Please continue to stay safe!

Ashok Panigrahy, Bea Luna, and Jen Dobberstein