Manchester CRF
at Manchester Royal Infirmary (MRI)

Designed to support and specialise in a range of human performance measures, the Human Performance Laboratory (HPL) is a key facility at the Manchester CRF at MRI

Equipment includes:

• Gait analysis using a 10-camera Qualisys infra-red 3-Dimension motion analysis system, integrated with two in-dwelling Kistler force platforms. This provides synchronised kinematic and kinetic data during walking gait
• Two Kistler force platforms which can be used to measure ground reaction forces during a variety of activities, including balance
• COSMED Quark CPET for breath-by-breath online gas analysis during treadmill and cycle ergometer exercise testing e.g. a VO2 max test. This also has integrated 12-lead ECG and SpO2 monitoring
• BOD POD for body composition assessment of adults and children. The BOD POD determines body composition via whole-body densitometry via air displacement plethysmography
• ISOCOM Dynamometer for isokinetic and isometric testing using single joint and multi-joint attachments. Attachments for the knee, ankle and hip are available
• Biodex SD balance system for whole body balance assessment and training
• Radiometer TcPO2 measuring system
• Space for examination and exercise interventions.

This large clinical room can be adapted to suit study-specific requirements – and has been used to deliver a leading COVID-19 vaccine trial.

Further information

If you would like to arrange a visit to see the Facility and discuss what we could offer to your study, please contact our research studies team (+44 (0)161 906 7517).

The Minor Procedure Suite can support a wide range of interventions under local anaesthetic. All procedures are performed in sterile conditions under the supervision of specialist staff.

Procedures include:

• Biopsies with (ultrasound if required)
• Minor plastic surgery techniques
• Dermatological, ophthalmic, arthroscopic, and respiratory procedures

Available in-house equipment includes:

• Air exchange system
• Patient preparation room/ treatment room
• Sterile supplies storage space with restricted access
• Diathermy machine
• Ceiling mounted operating light (x2)
• Drug fridge and drug cupboard
• Ceiling mounted oxygen and suction combi equipment
• X-ray viewer
• Resuscitation trolley
• Dirty utility room

MRI Scanners

The University’s Imaging Facilities incorporates MRI and PET-MR modalities. The Facilities, which are part of the University’s Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health, own two MRI scanners, including a 3T Philips Achieva scanner located at the Clinical Research Facility (CRF). The other MRI scanner is located at the Wolfson Molecular Imaging Centre (1.5T Philips); the University also has dedicated access to a new Philips 3T Elition scanner at Salford Royal NHS Foundation Trust (SRFT).

The Imaging Facilities (MRI) are staffed by experienced and fully qualified radiographers and an MR physicist, who act as an interface between clinical research and imaging science.  The Facilities provide access to and support for clinicians and scientists, who wish to use MRI techniques as part of their research.

Information about how to access the 1.5T MRI scanner at the Wolfson Molecular Imaging Centre can be found on the Imaging Facilities website.

MR Imaging Grants

The Imaging Facilities can sometimes provide time on the University’s MRI scanners (3T at Salford Royal Foundation Trust; 1.5T at Wolfson Molecular Imaging Centre; and 3T at the NIHR/Wellcome Trust Manchester Clinical Research Facility) for strategic development projects by way of an MR imaging grant. If you would like to collect pilot data or have a small amount of scanning which you would use to advance methodology or novel scanning techniques, you may be eligible to apply for an MR imaging grant for time on the MRI scanners free of charge.

MR imaging grants are designed to support development of the MR research community and in particular the development of novel scanning or analysis methods. This may include the development of methods which are well-established elsewhere but which are not used within the University’s imaging facilities. It may also include application of existing techniques to novel experimental designs.

For further information please contact Denise Ogden (denise.ogden@manchester.ac.uk)

Development and physics support for MRI scanning

The Imaging Facilities also has ethics approval to undertake protocol testing and optimisation on the University’s scanners using healthy volunteers. These scans are usually free of charge, and limited to 5 hours per protocol. Please note that this time must not be used for data collection or to support publications.

In order to access this facility, please send a one-page description of what you require to Barry Whitnall and Sarah Wood, +44 (0)161 906 7501.

Echocardiography and Cardiovascular Ultrasound

A professional partnership between Manchester Heart Centre and Manchester CRF allows us to provide British Society of Echocardiography (BSE)-accredited Physiologists to support both adult and paediatric research within the Facility. In addition, our team provides ultrasound services to a number of cardiovascular studies, including those involving assessment of Carotid IMT, Rheumatology and Fistula imaging.

Services we offer include:

• Consultancy on Echocardiography protocol design and planning
• Screening and Follow-up imaging
• Medicine Safety Monitoring
• Study specific measurements including Tissue Doppler (TDI) and Strain
• Analysis and Reporting of 2-D Echocardiograms in line with ASE/ BSE Guidelines
• Carotid IMT
• Technology Appraisal
• Continuity and Quality

Further information

If you would like to arrange a visit to see the Facility and discuss what we could offer to your study, please contact our research studies team ( +44 (0)161 906 7517).