Running Sessions – ChopShop

Scheduling a Session

When you are scheduling a session, be sure to reserve everything you need right away to avoid schedule conflicts.

Google Calendars

You will need access to the Google calendars for the people (clinicians, doctors) and resources (laptops, testing rooms) that are required for a study session. One of the other RAs will be able to give you access to most of them, but you may need to contact some individuals to ask for access. Beyond these, you should request access to the calendars of RAs and investigators as-needed.

Clinician calendars: Lynn Alexander, Nancy’s Calendar, Laurie Scott, Mei Hall (ask her for access), Emily LATN Calendar (for Emily Belleau)

Laptop calendars: Dell laptop, Large Lenovo, Lenovo Ideapad, Lenovo Laptop – Small Screen, Macbook-1, Macbook-2

Testing Room calendars: 227 Testing Room, 228 Testing Room, Behavioral Testing Room 237, Control Room (reserves 235 & 236), Control Room 243a, Experiment Room 243.

Study Doctors at the MIC: Dr. Olson for Pizzagalli, Gordana Vitaliano

Observe the following guidelines when reserving time:

Include the study, your name and extension
If a subject cancels, go back and release the time of everyone’s calendar
For Clinical SCIDs, book 2 hours.
For HC SCIDs, book 1 hour.
If the clinicians will administer additional measures, or the subject has a particularly complicated history, think about booking more time
Be sure to leave clinicians at least 30 minutes free for lunch around the middle of the day.
ALWAYS reserve laptops on their calendar. Do not take a laptop without reserving. Also, sign the laptop out on the sheet in the cupboard. Make sure the laptop is fully charged when you return it.
When reserving EEG rooms, include some time for setup and clean-up
It is your responsibility to leave an experiment room on time if another study is booked immediately after yours.

Booking Study Doctors

To be supplied

Booking Rooms at the MIC

Some information is out-of-date.

There are three interview rooms at the MIC. They can only be reserved during a scanning visit. The MIC has set the following rules for using these rooms:

To book rooms for sessions at the MIC, use Calcium:
https://calcium.mclean.harvard.edu/cgi-bin/Calcium40.pl?login
No more than 2 ½ hours may be reserved per subject per group per room. Multiple blocks may be reserved but for no more than 2 ½ hours at a time.
No group may reserve the same testing room for multiple, consecutive blocks on a given day. If multiple blocks are required, groups should alternate testing rooms as possible.
Both testing rooms (169 and 171) rooms MAY NOT be reserved by the same group at the same time for the same study.
Individuals responsible for the time reserved should indicate name, extension and study name for each time spot reserved.
Staff should NOT knock or open the door if unsure if the room is in use; timed testing is often invalidated when subjects are interrupted during the completion of a task.
All of your equipment, paperwork, accessories etc must be removed from testing rooms at the conclusion of the allotted time frame. Leaving laptops and other equipment behind causes needless delays for other groups and poses violations of subject/patient privacy and confidentiality.
If you have reserved a time block and find that you will not need it, PLEASE remember to remove it from the Calcium calendar.
The sign on the outside wall should be changed to reflect current status; i.e. make sure it says “vacant’ when you leave the testing room.
There are four interview rooms in calcium, we use these rooms for SCID interviews that take place at the MIC (any study that requires labwork or requires Dr. Vitaliano or Dr. Olson to consent).
There are also exam rooms at each scanner that can be booked for labwork during MRI scan sessions:
- 3T Trio exam room: if someone else has a scan booked when you want to use the exam room (e.g. you need to do a blood draw before your scan) you must email them to make sure they aren’t using the exam room. It has a table for ECG, but you may need to get the ECG from another exam room. The internet is the best in this room. Wi-fi signal is great
- 3T Prisma exam room: To be supplied
- 4T exam room: This room is used the least, but it is usually available. A blood draw could be done here, but not an ECG. There is a centrifuge here for spinning blood. The -20C freezer for saliva samples is here.
- MIC exam room: This is the room next to the 3T. It is not equipped as an exam room, so you must bring all your own supplies. It is very cramped and there is no internet. There is no centrifuge, so if you use this room you will have to book an additional room for spinning the blood.

Scheduling MRI Scans

Some information is out of date

Each time that you book a participant for a study, you will need to request a scan time for them. You can do this in the reserved time for your study, or in “open time” that’s listed on Calcium. If you do not have a subject booked for a reserved time slot 48 hours in advance, you will lose the reservation and the time will be released for anyone to book it. Therefore, it is important to try to book participants in your reserved time first, rather than try to book open time on the scanner

Requesting a 3T slot for a study session

If you are requesting a time from your reserved time slot, it is important to request it more than 48 hours in advance so that it will not get released as open time
If you are booking open time, you can request it at any point. However, MRI requests for open time are completed on a first come first serve basis
You will need to print the MRI Request form (stored in the exp folders of each study) and fill out the study doctor, the PI, your name, the date and time of the scan, what scans will be done, and also the subject’s name, DOB, and gender. You must also answer the yes/no questions at the bottom. The address and contact information for the subject is unnecessary
It is important to use the subject’s full name (not nicknames) and print very clearly
The form gets faxed to 617-855-3757
If you have questions call Lynn Hathaway (she does the MRI bookings) at x3385
Lynn will call you when she books the scan to give you the MRN for the subject. Write this on the top of the MRI request, and store the request in the locked cabinet in the folder labeled “MRI requests”
To release pre-scheduled time, email 3TSCHEDULE@mclean.harvard.edu
If your study is canceled on the day of (e.g. no-show, late cancellation), you must:
- email the MIC list-serve to let them know that the 3T/4T is now free from X time to X time (same even with new scheduling system), include the reason the for the release (e.g., subject no-show, issue with scanner, etc)
- email 3TSCHEDULE@mclean.harvard.edu with the same above information
We are not charged for no shows and last minute cancellations. This was factored in the utilization percentage for each group as this happens for all groups. Scott recommends that groups with subject populations that tend to have cancellations to book a back-up subject. There is IRB-approved language for this that can be shared to others.

Reserving the 4T for a study session

To be supplied.

Requesting a Developmental Scan

Out of Date

You must fill out a ‘blue sheet’. These are kept in the supply/copy room at the NIC.available online.
Fill out the reason why you are requesting a scan, and how many you are requesting.
Have Diego review this document
Send it to Scott Lukas to sign off on
Then it must be manually dropped off to Kathleen
She will keep this on file.
You may only request a development time slot on the scanner 24 hours in advance
If you need to request additional development scans for the study, you can edit the blue sheet (it will need to be approved again) or just fill out a new one.

Scheduling PET Scans at MGH

There is an online calendar for viewing available PET scan times. An interview room for questionnaires and computer tasks can be booked through this website. You will need to book a room for the beginning of the session and the end for a computer task and questionnaires

To book a PET scan:

Go to: http://petmanager.mgh.harvard.edu/
Log in with your partners id and password
Click on the calendar
We can book PET scans for our studies at 11:15am and 2:15pm. Sometimes other times (e.g., 10:30, 12:30) are available if you ask. PET scans usually take 1hr 15 mins ish.
Call the MGH registration line (866-211-6588) to get the subject’s MRN number (mention that you are calling on the subject’s behalf and that he/she is only participating in a research study). Information needed: Name, DOB, Phone, and Address
Note MRN in “Subject_Info.xls” in common/restricted/
When you have the subject’s MRN, you will need to email Steve Weise (weise@pet.mgh.harvard.edu) to reserve the PET scan time. You should email him the following information:
- Name of Subject:
- Date of PET Scan:
- Time of PET Scan Start:
- MRN:
- Date of Birth:
- Subject contact phone number:
- WOCBP:
- Consenting required: No
- IRB Protocol Number:
- Imaging Compound: (ex:11C-Altropane)
- PeopleSoft Fund Number:

To book a testing room for the PET scan:

We use Room 233 in the White building for testing
Log into the PET calendar website
Click on “Shared Events” and create a new event
This will allow you to book White room 233.

Subject Transportation

There are a number of options for subject transportation. While we want to avoid unnecessary expenses, sometimes it is worth spending the money to ensure a subject can get to their appointment.

Public Transportation

73 Waverley bus from Harvard Square to Waverley Square
Commuter Rail from North Station on the “Fitchburg/South Acton” line to Waverley Square

McLean Shuttle

McLean runs a shuttle from Waverley Square continuously during commuting hours (e.g. 7:00 AM to 10:00 AM), and on-demand throughout the day. You can arrange to have a subject picked up and brought to deMarneffe or to the MIC by calling security at x2121. Be sure to allow for the fact that the shuttle is not always available immediately. The schedule is online at http://www.mclean.harvard.edu/about/directions/shuttle.php

Taxis

Note: As of 2015, LATN has tried to minimize taxi usage by encouraging use of public transportation or offering compensation for other means of transport (up to $25 or study-specific amount). Taxis are very expensive, and we have had many problems with communication between drivers and participants in the past. However, a taxi can be used if necessary.

McLean has a relationship with Veteran’s Taxi to provide taxis to and from McLean Hospital (and MGH as needed) for participants. This should only be used if participants cannot come by public transportation or drive.

Review to make sure these are up to date:

Booking a taxi:

Make a taxi voucher, see below
Call 617-527-0300
Tell them you are calling from McLean Hospital with account 6410
Provide the information about the date, time and person (and their phone number) who is being picked up, and also the drop off location (include building if at McLean). Also provide your phone number so that they can call you with any issues. For sessions at the NIC, remember to provide your cell phone and not your extension
Email participant to remind them of the cab pick up and the company of the cab. Let them know they will receive an automated call with the driver arrives.

Taxi Vouchers

We have taxi vouchers that we can use to monitor the charges to our account
Blank taxi vouchers can be picked up from the mailroom
Only put the participant’s first name and last initial on the voucher
When a subject is dropped off at the session, give the voucher to the driver, and they will fill out the amount **(note that there should not be a tip on there). The driver will then give you the pink copy back, which you will later give to Dave.
When a subject is leaving (call ahead to ensure the cab will be there on time. For taxi’s around rush hour, it is a good idea to call the morning of the session if possible) give the subject the voucher and one of the pre-paid return envelopes (see below). Remind them to put the pink copy of the voucher in the envelope and mail it back
If you experience a problem with the taxi, fill out the back of the pink form with your complaint and give it to Dave, who will fax it to Kevin Kent.

Pre-Paid Envelopes

We use pre-stamped envelopes for taxi vouchers

To get more envelopes, you need to go to the mail room and request pre-paid envelopes. Make sure to give our grant number
Then fill out and print mailing labels with our address and mailstop and stick them on the envelopes

MGH Parking Passes

Review to make sure these are up to date:

For studies at MGH, we have parking passes that cover 4 hours of parking in the MGH parking garage. These can be used for both you and the subject.

Put the sticker on the parking ticket, and bring it to the cashier when you are leaving
To request new parking passes:
- Use the parking pass request form that is located on the server at common/Admin/Parking_passes
- White out the date, and put the current date
- Fax the request over
- Go to the parking office (same as the security off, located on the second floor of the Wang building) approximately one week after the request was sent to pick up the passes, make sure to bring over the request form!
Call Steve Weise with any questions (617-726-5299)

Common Session Procedures

Informed Consent

To be supplied

Drug and Pregnancy Tests

For all interview sessions, our participants must pass a drug test for inclusion into the study. We use Amedi-Check urine drug tests, and they are in the file cabinet in the cubicles. For REW22 and Trauma interview sessions, we also do a urine pregnancy test
For all MRI sessions, the participants must pass a urine drug screen and a pregnancy test. Pregnancy tests are stored with the drug screens.
For PET scans, participants must pass a urine drug test, and the serum pregnancy test (female participants must show up ~1.5 hours prior to the PET scan to give ample time for the analysis of the serum pregnancy test)
If a subject tests positive on either test, ask them about the result, and if they deny possibility of the positive result, it is okay to re-do the test if they are willing.
Each of our studies have a urine drug test at every session

Urine Protocol

When having a participant do a urine drug screen, you will want to use an exam room with a biohazard bin. Ideally the room will have a two way door that connects to the bathroom. The 1.5T and 4T exam rooms have this.
Give the test and the paper bag to the subject. Ask them to screw the top on tightly when they are finished and to either a) place the test in the shelf of the two-way door or b) place it on a paper towel on the shelf near the mirror
Be sure to wear gloves
Peel back the label on the drug test to analyze. If you are doing a pregnancy test at the same time, use the urine from the test to drop into the pregnancy test.
When you have confirmed the test is negative, you must pour the urine into the toilet and screw the cap back on.
Then with one hand gloved (to hold the test) and the other ungloved (to open/ close doors) bring the tests back to the exam room and dispose of them in the biohazard bin.

Physiology: Blood Tests, ECGs, and Biopsies

Taking Blood Samples

To be supplied

Quest

As noted earlier, we use Quest Diagnostics for our bloodwork
During the study session, be sure to bring the Quest form and the quest baggie to the session.
Once you have obtained your blood samples:
Be sure to label each tube with the subject ID, DOB, and sex. Fill this out on the form as well.
On the form indicate the tests you want run, check the box “bill to my account”, write “Dr. Olson” as the study doctor, and check “Fax results to: 617-855-4231”
Call Quest for specimen pick-up
- 617-547-8900 (provide study-specific or general screening account #) to schedule pick-up
  - write down confirmation number on your copy of the requisition
- If you have expired tubes to dispose of, let them know that they will be picking them up as well and place them by the specimen pick-up box.
The Quest specimen pick-up box is located on the ground to the right of the wooden desk in the foyer of the entrance of the MIC (clearly marked, keyed access).
- Keys to the Quest specimen pick-up box are by the front door of the RA office 127b
- Bob Baden will be able to order you a key to open this box.

ECG (“EKG”) Training

You will need to be trained on administering ECGs
In order to do an ECG on a female you must be female or have a doctor present
Rooms that you can do the ECG in are the 1.5 and the 3T exam rooms (for the 3T, you must bring the ECG)
The ECG will print out an analysis of the recording. It is often hyper sensitive, and therefore it will often report an abnormal ECG when it is in fact fine. You must bring all ECGs to the study doctor to approve.
If an ECG prints out as abnormal, replace the electrodes, and try again. If it is still abnormal, try to find the study doctor to review while the subject is still at the NIC. Otherwise, save the ECG for review later. Don’t tell the subject that they have an abnormal ECG. Only the doctor can determine this. Say “I am only trained to administer the ECG, and not to read it. We need to have the study doctor review the ECG for study eligibility”
Remember to write the subject ID on the ECG printout

Biopsies

To be supplied

Administering REDCap Suveys /Data Entry

Some information may be out of date

Method 1: Open a public survey
- Log in with your partners ID
- Go to “My Projects” and select the survey
- Click “Manage Survey Participants” on the left hand side
- Click “Open public survey”
Method 2: Open a survey for this participant
- Log in with your partners ID
- Go to “My Projects” and select the survey
- Click “Add/Edit Record”
- Enter a new or existing Participant ID (e.g., REW23-001)
- Fill out the first section of the survey for the participant, this includes the Study ID (e.g., REW23, ELS), the Subject ID (e.g., 001);, the Session Number (e.g., 2); and the Date (select Today).
Option 3: Send a link to the survey
- click “Participant List” under the manage survey participants tab.
- This will send an email to participants with a link so that they can fill it out at home
When you are ready to download the data to analyze, go to “Data export Tool” and click “export data now”. You will most likely want to export the “raw” excel spreadsheet
If you need to change existing data (e.g., entered the wrong subject ID, administered the wrong questionnaire), you can export the data, make your changes, and then use the “data import tool” to upload your edited data.
You will have to design an excel template that analyzes the questionnaire data exported by RedCap. Design the template so that you can copy the subject data and, without having to edit the data, paste it into the template.
Scoring templates and data dictionaries for individual questionnaires can be found in common/admin/measures/scoring templates.
It is also important to share access to questionnaires so everyone can use them. To do this, first select the project to share, under applications select “User Rights”, enter the Partners ID of the person who you are giving access as ‘New user name’ and hit tab, you then select their permissions: select everything in the first third, hit Save Changes. The person you added should then receive an email to let them know.

Study Data Management (incomplete)

Updating Session Log Files

Enrollment Log, Subject Info. To be supplied

Downloading REDCap Data

To be supplied

Retrieving MRI Data with Osirix

Information is out of date

Osirix is the website/program that we currently use to download MRI data and to store it on the server.

When a scan finishes, ask the tech to send the data to the “research” server
Check the next day, or in a couple of hours on the osirix website to see if the scan is there:
- https://mini2.mclean.harvard.edu:3333/
- Username: latn
- Click “study list”
- You can download the file as a whole (works for shorter scans without multiband) by clicking the arrow next to the name
- Larger scans may need to be downloaded scan by scan. To do this click the subject’s name, and click the arrow next to each file
- Store the downloaded scans on the server and burn to a DVD

Results of Standard VA Brain

Information is out of date

If a subject has never been scanned at McLean before or has not had a VA brain in the past year, then they are required to have one at McLean. A VA brain is an anatomical scan that is read by a radiologist

VA Brains take about 10 minutes to do
You will be faxed two copies of the report; a preliminary report and a final report. It is important to file them in a locked cabinet
In general, all PHI from a particular scan can be filed together in a locked cabinet
Any abnormal VA brain that comes back will be reviewed by Dr. Olson. If it is serious enough, he will contact you and will discuss the appropriate way to be in touch with the participant.
See Franzi for further details – more is required for this procedure

Running an MRI Session

Additional information should be added

MR Safety Screening

Section must be rewritten

Participant must fill out MRI Safety Screening form at the interview/SCID session and at the MRI scan session
Make sure to review MRI safety concerns with the subject, also let them know that they can end the scan at any time (squeeze ball), let them know that the scanner is very loud (make sure the earbuds are really in!)
Have the subject remove his/her belt, any jewelry at all, anything in their hair, pockets, wrist, etc
ALL metal (MR-safe or unknown) implants need to be checked.
If you are acquiring documentation for technologist/Clinical Director review, you need:
- Participant to sign a healthcare release authorizing the sharing of private health information to you
- Surgical note from the implantation. Highlight anything in the document that could indicate a metal piece was used
- Manufacturer’s information on the implant and whether or not it is safe at the field strength you are using for the scan (1.5T/3T/4T)
If you know the material is MR-safe (e.g. dental work), you still need to check that the implant will not cause an artifact during scanning. You need to obtain the following:
- Location information (e.g. ask participant to identify on dental chart)
- Implantation information (to make sure that nothing not MR-safe is holding down the implant)
- Review and approval from the physicist that this item in this location will not be an issue during the particular scan he or she is running (e.g. if you are scanning the liver, the dental work might not matter)
The scanners have weight limits, but the most important thing is the size of the bore (girth of the subject is extremely important for this assessment):
- 3T scanner
  - Weight limit: 350lbs (someone of that size has never been able to fit into the scanner)
  - Bore size: 15″ table to top x23″side to side
- 4T scanner
  - Bore size: Inner bore diameter is 22 inches. This equates to an inner circumference of 69 inches (maximum girth of subject successfully scanned at 4T is 52 inches).
- Significant risks may exist for people with:
  - Cardiac pacemakers
  - Metal clips on blood vessels (also called stents)
  - Artificial heart valves
  - Artificial arms, hands, legs, etc.
  - Brain stimulator devices
  - Implanted drug pumps
  - Ear implants
  - Eye implants or known metal fragments in eyes
  - Exposure to shrapnel or metal filings (wounded in military combat, sheetmetal workers, welders, and others)
  - Other metallic surgical hardware in vital areas
  - Certain tattoos with metallic ink (please tell us if you have a tattoo)
  - Certain transdermal (skin) patches such as NicoDerm (nicotine for tobacco dependence), Transderm Scop (scopolamine for motion sickness), or Ortho Evra (birth control), or metal-containing IUDs
- If you are unsure whether the subject has any of these items in your body, you should know that most would have been implanted as part of a surgical procedure. So, trying to have the subject remember any past operations may help. Subjects should also be asked whether you have any implanted devices or history of exposure to shrapnel or metal filings, and if so, they may not be able to participate in the study. It’s important to ask if they have ever worked with metal before, and if they have, if they wore eye protection AND if they ever suffered an injury (especially to the eyes). It’s also helpful to know if they have had MRI scans since that time.
- MR Implant/Device Documentation Review Steps:
  - In order to scan anyone who has a metal implant or device, please follow the steps listed below.
  - Ask the PI if the implant (with the self-reported knowledge you have from the participant or the collaborator: e.g. implant location, material, previous MRIs) will affect his/her scans (based on the acquisition, voxel placement, type of scanning, etc.).
  - NOTE: For implants that are known not to be safe at 3T or conditionally safe at 3T and conditions cannot be met, subjects should be excluded.
  - Obtain the following documents to submit to the reviewer (required for review and approval)
    - Implant location, material, previous MRIs
    - Surgical note regarding the implant operation
    - Requires SIGNED healthcare release form to release the documents from the subject to the RA
    - Make/model of the implant (can be derived from the surgical note)
    - Manufacturer’s implant/device brochure
    - Manufacturer’s implant/device statement of MRI safety and previous safety studies
    - If the subject has previously had MRI scans safely with the surgical implant (anecdotal evidence not acceptable alone, but helpful to know for implant/device review and approval)
    - Check MRIsafety.com by Dr. Shellock if an implant is MRI safe. Check for any “conditions” (i.e. conditionally safe within specified SAR limit) and inform the reviewer and scanner operator of any “conditions.”
    - Coil information (e.g. transmit/receive) and body part being scanned
  - To obtain these documents, it is simplest for the subject to contact the surgeon’s office to obtain the surgical note and then forward the note to MIC staff (after having signed the release form). However, it is also possible for an RA to do so (subject would have to sign release form prior to RA contacting surgeon’s office to request medical records).After obtaining the surgical note and any other documentation provided by medical records/the subject/collaborating RA, the McLean RA should review all documentation for the following:
    - Verify where the implant is located
    - What implant was used
    - Ensure no other metal implants, clips, staples, etc. were placed during the surgical procedure.
    - (Highlight all applicable information) for implant/device review and approval
    - If this information was not already provided, contact the implant manufacturer to inquire about the MRI safety of the implant (e.g. a brochure or product information guide citing studies done at 1.5T or 3T where the implant was scanned safely).
  - It may be difficult to find information regarding 4T safety, but check Google and/or the Partners library resources.
  - To obtain approval for the scanners, forward the documentation to the following individuals:
    - For 1.5T or 3T approval, submit all documentation to Kathleen Thangaraj or any of the MRI techs. The techs may either sign off on the documentation or forward the review to Dave Olson, Clinical Director of the MIC.
    - For 4T approval, submit all documentation to Dave Olson.
  - If the implant(s) is approved for conditional scanning at 3T/4T, confirm with PI and/or scan operator that the scan will be performed within the “X” conditions.
  - NOTE: All documentation must be initialed and dated with the date of review and the reviewer. The reviewer should note whether the implant/device is safe at 1.5T/3T/4T and whether there are any additional conditions that must be met during scan.

FORP Set Up

To be supplied.

MRI Prescription Glasses

Usually located at the 3T scanner
Try to arrive 5-10 minutes early in order to sort these out, if needed
Prescription ranges from 0.5-6.0 (weakest RX to be confirmed)
Use “screen saver” wipes to wipe off your fingerprints prior to giving to the subject
To use, simply select the RX lenses and “pop” them into the frame
There should be an eye test sheet located near the MRI glasses case
There is a login/logout book on the shelf above the iSCAN computer to log use

Running an EEG Session

Some information is out of date or incomplete
Information about ActiCHamp system to be supplied.

The EEG system is located in our office at deMarneffe. The EEG rooms are reserved through the Google calendar

EEG Procedures

Out of date

Please review the “Working with EEG Nets” training document for additional information on net placement and care. EEG training is best done hands on. For training on EEG Analysis, please see the EEG training appendix

During our EEG sessions, we have the main EEG room lights off, and the standing lamp on
We also use a video camera and microphone to communicate with participants during the session. Make sure to turn on the microphone when you want it and off when you don’t.
During the EEG session, log the name of the EEG and also note any problems (bad channels) that occurred during the session in the EEG use log (orange binder near the TV)
Replacement supplies for the EEG can be ordered though EGI (salt, replacement nets, warranties) or small things (shampoo) can be bought at CVS and reimbursed.
Make sure to save the EEG data on the appropriate locations on the NetStation Mac, the server, and also burn to a CD or DVD

Instructions for Participants

When scheduling an EEG session, it is important to email the participant the following information: Make sure to relay these instructions to participants before they come in for their EEG session, at least a full 24 hours in advance.

Please do not wear any make-up during your session
Please do not leave any hair product (sprays, gels) in your hair. Shampoo and conditioner are fine, but please make sure to rinse them out.
Please do not style your hair. It should be combed out as straight as possible.
Please let us know if you have recently dyed your hair. It can discolor the EEG net.
Please let us know if you have any head or facial piercings that cannot be easily removed.
Please let us know if you have your hair in any of the following hair styles: corn-rows, dread locks, afro, or beehive. Unfortunately, due to the nature of these hair styles, it is nearly impossible to get good connectivity between the EEG net and your scalp.
Let us know if you aware that you have head lice. We cannot run the EEG experiment on people with head lice due to the possibility that it could spread to future participants.
We often find that we get the best results when the participants have recently-washed hair. If possible, if you could wash your hair 1-2 hours before the start of your session, that would be greatly appreciated. Otherwise, we should still be able to get good data.
If you wear eyeglasses or contacts, consider bringing lubricating eye drops to the study session. Computer tasks can dry out your eyes slightly and using some drops beforehand may make the session more comfortable.