The Pediatric Imaging Research Core (PIRC) is an interdisciplinary research program that recognizes the importance of medical imaging in the diagnosis and treatment of diseases in children and young adults. PIRC provides investigators with modern imaging technology and collaboration with imaging experts to achieve research goals. Our team consults with investigators to enhance their research through access to state-of-the-art technology, pediatric radiologists, physicists, pediatric technologists, nurses and pediatric sedation providers. PIRC also enables the conduct of standard imaging associated with large clinical trials. Services include MRI, CT, PET, bone densitometry, fluoroscopy, nuclear medicine, interventional radiology, ultrasound, X-ray and pediatric sedation.
Please note: If patients do not require sedation, do not require increased care due to acuity, and if procedures will not be billed to insurance, the resources at the Center for Systems Imaging (CSI) may be used. For more information click here. For questions about which facility to use, contact India Taliaferro.
The PIRC focuses on providing pediatric imaging services, including the use of novel imaging techniques for the diagnosis and treatment of children and young adults. We offer a number of resources to investigators conducting research. Below are the imaging modalities and services available at both Children's Scottish Rite and Children's Egleston.
Services
- Fluoroscopy
- Digital X-ray
- Bone Densitometry
- Dual-energey CT scanner
- Ultrasound
- Mock MRI Scanner (Scottish Rite only), MRI goggles (Egleston only)
- 1.5 T MRI Scanner
- 3T MRI Scanners
- Nuclear Medicine
- Interventional Radiology
- Sedation Services
- MRI Physicist
- Image Processing Scientist
- PET/CT (Egleston only)
Radiology will review all protocols to determine if the requested procedures align with our standard of care imaging protocols.
- Submit to the radiology research team lead, India Taliaferro, the following:
- Completed Radiology Protocol Review Form
- The study protocol
- Any imaging manuals
- Department Approval Form
- Within 2-4 weeks the protocol review should be completed. You will receive:
- Radiology Protocol Review (including order instructions)
- Signed Department Approval Form (including fees/pricing)
- Information regarding initiation and maintenance fees*
For information regarding Children's Radiation Safety Committee, including assessment of risk related to the use of radiation in research, please contact Nikki Butler.
*All studies are subject to initiation and maintenance fees. Waivers for fees may be granted on a case-by-case basis. A “Letter of Justification for a Fee Waiver” may be sent to India Taliaferro.
To learn more about our radiologists check out this link, and scroll to "Meet our pediatric radiologists" halfway down the page.
The PIRC offers pilot study sponsorships. Download the application form here. Send completed applications to India Taliaferro.
