Advances expertise and innovation in perinatal, fetal, neonatal and women’s health through ultrasound research and state-of-the-art simulation training.
The PRIME Centre advances perinatal and women’s health through cutting-edge ultrasound imaging and simulation. The Centre combines research excellence with clinical innovation to create a space where discovery meets practice. PRIME features advanced 3D/4D imaging systems, customizable research interfaces, and specialized transducers for high-quality studies in obstetrics, gynecology, fetal echocardiography, neurosonography, neonatal, and pediatric care.
PRIME’s dual mission sets it apart: the team conducts rigorous, hypothesis-driven imaging research and delivers immersive simulation-based training for clinicians, residents, fellows, and sonographers. Guided by expert sonographers, participants refine scanning and interpretation skills through realistic scenarios, standardized assessments, and immediate feedback.
PRIME welcomes collaboration across academia, healthcare, and industry. It offers access to imaging infrastructure, consultation, protocol development, pilot studies, and quality improvement initiatives. As a dynamic hub for excellence, PRIME supports and shapes the future of perinatal, neonatal and women’s health.
- Advanced imaging capabilities: Access to high-resolution ultrasound systems for clinical and experimental imaging applications.
- Ultrasound education and training: Simulation-based instruction designed to enhance ultrasound proficiency for learners and highly qualified personnel.
- Participant meeting room: Dedicated consent room to facilitate research enrolment and foster participant interaction.
- Collaborative workspaces: A meeting space for teams, data analysis sessions, and project coordination.
- Phlebotomy: A phlebotomy room designed for safe and efficient biological sample collection.
- Equipment maintenance: A soiled utility room for the proper cleaning and handling of equipment.
- Flexible workstations: Drop-down workspaces available for visiting researchers and project teams.
- Expert sonography support: On-site research sonographer available to perform or assist with scan acquisition and protocol adherence.
- Education
- Healthcare and social services
- Life sciences, pharmaceuticals and medical equipment
- Professional and technical services (including legal services, architecture, engineering)
Specialized labs and equipment
| Equipment | Function |
|---|---|
| GE HeathCare Voluson E10 BT 21 4D Ultrasound System (2) | Provide high-end obstetrics and gynecology (OB/GYN) imaging. |
| Philips EPIQ Elite Ultrasound System (2) | Premium diagnostic imaging platform designed to deliver exceptional image quality. |
| Philips Lumify Handheld Portable Ultrasound System (2) | Tablet-based portable ultrasound for field and bedside imaging. |
| Ultrasonix Sonixtouch Q+ Ultrasound System with GPS | Mobile imaging platform that combines high-resolution ultrasound with real-time needle guidance using SonixGPS technology for enhanced accuracy in interventional procedures. |
| Ultrasonix SonixDAQ Ultrasound Scanner | Capture raw ultrasound channel data for imaging analysis. |
| CAE Vimedix Ultrasound Simulator with fetal echocardiography capability | Training system to practice and visualize fetal heart imaging using real-time simulation, 3D anatomy and augmented reality guidance. |
| Intelligent Ultrasound ScanTrainer | Haptic simulation training system with real patient scan feedback. |
| Gazepoint remote HD Eye Tracking System 150Hz | Capture and analyze eye movements at high speed for cognitive research. |
| ISS OxiplexTS Near-Infrared Spectroscopy (NIRS) Tissue Oximeter | Measure absolute concentrations of oxygenated and deoxygenated hemoglobin in tissues for tissue oxygenation research. |
| Medtronic INVOS 5100C Cerebral/Somatic Oximeter and NIRSensors | Monitor changes in regional oxygen saturation of blood in the brain or other body tissues. |
Private and public sector research partners
• Women’s Health Research Institute
• BC Women’s Hospital + Health Centre