Improving MRI techniques using scans from healthy individuals

Assessing and Improving Quantitative Magnetic Resonance Imaging Metrics in Human Subjects

Observational National Institutes of Health Clinical Center (CC) · NCT05604534

This study is testing new MRI scanning techniques on healthy volunteers to see if they can improve how we measure and understand different parts of the body.

Quick facts

Study typeObservational
Enrollment200 (estimated)
Ages18 Years to 100 Years
SexAll
SponsorNational Institutes of Health Clinical Center (CC) NIH
Locations1 site (Bethesda, Maryland)
Trial IDNCT05604534 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This study aims to enhance the accuracy and reliability of quantitative MRI metrics by collecting data from healthy volunteers. Participants aged 18 and older will undergo MRI scans targeting various body parts, including the brain and liver, while their nervous system health is assessed. The research focuses on optimizing MRI acquisition techniques to identify potential biomarkers for anatomical and physiological states in living tissues. By analyzing the reproducibility of these metrics, the study seeks to differentiate between biological variability and experimental noise.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this study are healthy adults aged 18 years or older.

Not a fit: Patients with existing health conditions or those who do not meet the health criteria may not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this study could lead to improved diagnostic capabilities and more reliable MRI metrics for assessing various health conditions.

How similar studies have performed: While this approach is focused on improving existing MRI techniques, similar studies have shown promise in enhancing imaging methodologies.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
* INCLUSION CRITERIA:

In order to be eligible to participate in this study, an individual must meet all of the following criteria:

* Stated willingness to comply with all study procedures and availability for the duration of the study
* Male or female, aged 18 years of age and older
* In good general health as evidenced by medical history
* Ability of subject to understand and the willingness to sign a written informed consent document.
* Must have had a neurological physical exam as prescribed by NINDS policy. At the time of writing, this is required at least once every 2 years, and record of the exam should be in the medical record. This exam must be done prior to having MRI # 1. If deemed adequate by the Investigators, reports of examination by clinicians who are not Investigators on this study may be used. In addition, subjects must complete the most-recent version of the NMR safety screening form or NIH Radiology and IS MRI safety questionnaire when required at each visit.

EXCLUSION CRITERIA:

An individual who meets any of the following criteria will be excluded from participation in this study:

* Has any metal implant or objects of unknown identity or composition, or if it s known to be non-compatible with MRI, such as pacemakers, medication pumps, aneurysm clips, metallic prosthesis (such as heart valves or cochlear implants), certain orthopedic implants (pins and rods), shrapnel, or small metal fragments in the eye;
* Has claustrophobia to a degree that would preclude lying comfortably in the scanner for the duration of the examination;
* Cannot lie comfortably for up to 120 minutes;
* Has hearing problems which would make it difficult to tolerate scanner noise;
* Subjects with tattoos or permanent eye liner; liner; will not be excluded, however, tattoos carry a small risk of heating and burns. Therefore, each tattoo will be considered on a case by case basis, taking into account the age of the tattoo and the location of the tattoo on the subject s body.
* Has medical health problems such as pulmonary or airway disease, heart failure, coronary artery disease, which would require physiological monitoring during the scan;
* History of any medical condition that could result in an emergency medical situation while undergoing the MRI scan;
* For \>7T: Has a ferromagnetic dental crown or a bridge.
* Non-English speakers are excluded as it is important that volunteers understand the complex instructions required to undergo an MRI procedure, and there is no direct benefit to participants.
* Pregnant women:

  * a) If a woman is pregnant at the time of enrollment, we will popstpone enrollment until she is no longer pregnant.
  * Participants will not remain on the study should they have a positive pregnancy test at a study visit.

Where this trial is running

Bethesda, Maryland

Study contacts

How to participate

  1. Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
  2. Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
  3. Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.
Conditions Normal PhysiologyMRIHealthy AdultDiffusionDTIDiffusion Tensor ImagingNatural History
Last reviewed 2026-06-09 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.