MEG Training Checklist

Entering the MEG Lab

• Having undergone on-line CHBH Building Induction and after being granted secure corridor access and requested Training, MEG Operators are shown the location of the MEG key safe, informed of the combination, and of the importance of locking the Lab and returning the key/s to the safe at EoD.

MEG Basics

MEG Sensors / MSR

• The Basic Workings of the MEG are explained (the type of sensor, the MSR, Helium cooling to ensure superconductivity).
• MEG Operators are told what not to bring into the MSR and the reasons why.
• MEG Operators are shown the workings of the MSR door (via compressed air), and how to open/close the door, in normal operation.
• MEG Operators are shown how to open the MSR door in an emergency.

Helium recycling system

• The Helium Recycling System is discussed and MEG operators are shown where the IHR system is located.
• The various gantry positions are shown, and instructions are given on how to adjust the gantry position
• MEG Operators are informed about what position they must leave the gantry at EoD, and it is explained why this is important.
• MEG Operators are checked they are able to move the gantry into the various in-use positions themselves.
• MEG Operators are informed about the Recycling Schedule/MTB, and to (ideally) keep to the slot times mentioned in MEG Bookings ...

The pre-defined slot times are as follows:

Monday - Wednesday	Thursday - Saturday
9:00 - 11:00	9:00 - 11:00
11:00 - 13:00	11:00 - 13:00
13:00 - 15:00	13:00 - 15:00
15:00 - 17:00	15:00 - 17:00
17:00 - 19:00

MSR Equipment

Gantry Chair

• MEG Operators are shown how to use/operate/raise the chair.
• MEG Operators are shown where the seating supplies are (cushions/foam/blankets etc).
• MEG Operators are shown how to help a participant into the chair, and how to plug in the various leads.
• MEG Operators are informed that participants, once relaxed, may need to be raised higher (chair pumped up more) in the gantry to ensure a better HPI check.
• MEG Operators are informed to be aware and take care of/help up participants out of the chair at the end of the experiment as they may be unsteady.

Participant Intercom & Video Monitoring System

• MEG Operators are shown how to turn on/use the MSR intercom, and for the need to provide clear instructions to the participant.
• MEG Operators are shown how to use/modify the displayed MSR camera view, shown on the monitor on the Control Room wall.

Consumables, Manuals

• MEG Operators are informed of the location of the various MEG Consumables items and User Manuals/Documentation

Stimulus Equipment

• MEG Operators are shown how to log into the OLD Stimulus PC (NEW Stimulus PC automatically logs on), and how to restart either as necessary (if PROPixx DP to DVI Adapter needs rebooting).
• MEG Operators are shown where/how to turn on the PROPixx Projector (if required), and how to wake and sleep the Projector (lens cap to be left off now).
• MEG Operators are shown how to set up/use the NAtA Button boxes, and where the Converter Box is located (Stimulus Cabinet).
• MEG Operators are shown how to use the L2V Converters and where the control boxes are located.
• MEG Operators are shown how to use the EyeLink PC, how to Position/Use the FO Camera Head and how to use/charge the EyeLink batteries.
• MEG Operators are shown the two auditory stimulus systems available, and how to use both.
• MEG Operators are shown the Digitimer DS7A Stimulator, and, if required, how to use it safely.

Before the Participant arrives

MEG Operators are instructed about performing various house-keeping tasks:

• To check the gantry position.
• To make sure their experiment performs as expected/triggers arrive at the MEG.
• To make sure all devices work (button boxes/EyeLink).

Preparing the Participant

• MEG Operators are reminded to have the participant fill in an informed consent form (including checks for pacemakers, etc).
• MEG Operators are shown how to use the Participant Logging Computer.
• MEG Operators are reminded that they and the participant have to remove all metal: e.g. phones, keys, belts, (metal filled) bras, make-up, earrings and piercings, zippers and metal buttons, preferably no braces/metal fillings/glasses.
  Two types of metal detectors are provided, and their usage explained
• MEG Operators are instructed to run through the metal items checklist with the participant, to check themselves if they have removed all metal.
• MEG Operators are shown that there are metal-free blue Hospital Scrubs available for the participant to change into (different sizes on labelled Changing Room wardrobe shelves), and where to place used scrubs ready for washing.
• MEG Operators are instructed to emphasize that a participant can always request to stop, ask questions or communicate, via the intercom, once in the MSR/sitting in the gantry chair.

Bedside manners

• MEG Operators are reminded to always make participants feel comfortable, to be polite & courteous at all times, to check whether the participant is feeling OK, paying attention (via the Monitoring System) for symptoms of claustrophobia (e.g. sweating, nervous behavior).
  To ask, at any time, if they need to take a break/would like or a drink of water. Water, in plastic bottles, is available.

Acquisition of Data

• MEG Operators are shown how to access/login to the DACQ Workstation.
• MEG operators are shown how to start up/use the Acquisition software.
  • e.g. How to create projects, enter Participant data, set up MEG channels/triggers.
• MEG Operators are informed as to why HPI coils are required, shown how to attach HPI coils, and how to use the Polhemus to perform a HPI digitisation.
  • The Phantom (''Phantom Phyllis'') can be used to try out/practice digitisations on).
• MEG Operators are shown where/how to attach EOG, ECG electrodes, and the types of electrodes that are available for use.
• MEG Operators are shown the location of the EEG caps and informed how to position them, and how to use them with MEG, and to check electrode impedances
• MEG Operators are shown how to use the Tuner software to check sensor noise levels, and how to resolve noisy channels.
• MEG Operators are advised, due to 32bit software, single saved-file size restricted to 4GB (~20min).
  • Experimental Paradigms may need to be adjusted to avoid spanning of acquired data into multiple files, requiring stitching afterward.

Copying Data

• MEG Operators are informed they need their own RDS Project Space & Linux account to copy off acquired data, and are shown how to copy off acquired data to RDS from the Console.

Hygiene, Tidying up

• MEG Operators are told they need to clean their hands with alcohol gel before, and after, touching the participant (before attaching HPI coils, BIO electrodes etc.)
• MEG Operators are shown how to clean EEG caps, and how to clean reusable electrodes
• MEG Operators are informed how and why to tidy up (e.g. all equipment is shared).
• MEG Operators are told of importance to clean communally used areas with alcohol wipes or alcohol gel & paper towel e.g. gantry helmet, chair arms & tray, NAtA buttons (using alcohol wipes NOT gel!).

Log book, Lab Safety, and reporting of incidents/problems

• MEG Operators are instructed to fill in the Measurement Log after MEG Lab usage of ~15min or more. This is now mandatory as part of the MEG OPLR Fault Reporting Procedure.
• MEG Operators are informed of the location of the two Oxygen Depletion Alarm sensors, and what to do if they sound.
• MEG Operators are shown the location of support telephone contact numbers, the Lab First Aid box, the location of the CHBH Defibrillation Kit and the CHBH Emergency Box, the location of the nearest Fire Alarm Call Point and Fire Exit, and, as necessary, to follow the Emergency Procedures as laid out in the MEG OPLR and also the CHBH General Emergency Evaction Plan (GEEP).
• MEG Operators are informed of the MEG Emergency Evacuation Plan (MEEP) and the procedures are gone through.
• MEG Operators are instructed to contact the MEG Support Officer by 'phone or email, of any MEG-related issues or problems.