3T QA

Preparation

• Start the software using the QA Patch.
• Create a new patient using the following naming convention: QA_3T_yyyymmdd.
• Use the QA_BIRN_32ch_def3 scancard under SC > QA.
• After loading the exam card, right click in or below the sequences to find the Edit Scan Control Parameters... option. Set the coil UI selection mode parameter (at the bottom) under the General tab to full manual. Click apply so that the setting is saved for the current login session (clicking Store will save this setting permanently!).
• Open the FBIRN sequence [wil je dit niet voor alle protocols?] and find the coils tab. Make sure that Smart Select is turned off and that all elements are selected (blue) for both halves of the head coil. Changing the coil settings for one sequence should automatically update the settings for all other sequences [klopt dit?].

Phantom placement

• Use the 32-channel head coil.
• Remove the cushioning inside the head coil to reveal two small depressions. Place the red base with the appropriate feet in the depressions and make sure that it's level.
• Place the FBIRN phantom on the red base. Make sure that the nozzle and sticker are facing straight up.
• Position the phantom so that the laser is at the same level as the nozzle.

Scanning

• Make sure all geolinks are set to TRA.
• Planning is the easiest on the FBIRN sequence due to its large window. Change the angulation by setting AP (deg), RL (deg) and FH (deg) to 0. Proceed to plan the scan so that the midlines are in the center of the phantom in all directions.
• Starting the scan will result in both PNS and SAR warnings, which may be ignored.

Post scanning

• Export the entire patient (in dicom format) to ftpsc_classic [er moet nog een project 3tqa aangemaakt worden op de ftp server, de exam card moet dan ook de string "3tqa" bevatten]
• Locate the EPI stability tool output in G: > Site > Clinicalscience > epi_stability_tool, where you should find a fMRIstabilityoutput.txt output file. Check whether the time and date of the last update are correct, then copy the file to scdropbox > 3T_QA. Alter the name of the file to 3T_QA_EST_yyyymmdd.
• Open the Edit Scan Control Parameters... menu. Switch the coil UI selection mode parameter back to restricted.
• Remove the patch from the system and log off.

Perhaps it's an idea to include a short description of how the data for each sequence will be analyzed/what the use is? For example the comparison between the two DTIs for enhanced vs default gradient mode.