Imaging Research Centre (IRC)

The Imaging Research Centre at St. Joseph's Healthcare Hamilton is home to a 3T MRI scanner dedicated for research, with on-site physics support to enable a tremendous breadth of magnetic resonance (MR)-related research activities. Equipped with a full slate of pulse sequences and radiofrequency coils (RF coils), routine MR imaging for any anatomical location is possible. With visual and auditory stimulus presentation systems, and button boxes to record subject responses, we have all the tools to facilitate functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) experiments. Multi-nuclear capability enables scanning of nuclei such as ²³Na, ¹³C, ³¹P and ¹²⁹Xe, among others. A state-of-the-art Xenon Hyperpolarizer delivers the highly polarized ¹²⁹Xe gas needed for advanced functional lung imaging. An in-house RF coil lab provides all important technical support for research studies. A service contract and comprehensive research agreement with GE HealthCare ensure that the latest advances in MR technology can be readily implemented on our scanner. The Centre is staffed with very experienced MR technologists helps to ensure the safety and comfort of participants, leading to successful scans.