SOP: KIT-MEG

Subtitle:

Routine Research Sessions

Author:

Hadi Zaatiti

DocID:

CTP_MEG_000

Issue:

1.0

po_number:

Date:

March 2026

approved_by:

Reza Rowshan

date_approved:

March 2026

Location:

C2, MEG Lab

Purpose

This SOP gives practical instructions for operating the KIT-MEG system during routine research sessions, and for shutting the system down safely in case of an emergency.

Frequency

  • As needed for research sessions

  • Typical session duration: 1–2 hours

System overview

The KIT-MEG system includes:

  • 256-channel MEG system with supine bed, helmet and liquid helium Dewar

  • Magnetically shielded room (MSR)

  • DAQ PCs and signal processing system

  • MEG Main PC for recording control

  • Stimulus PC for experiment control

  • Head position monitoring system

  • Video and audio monitoring systems

Before each session

Checks to be made

  • Check that the KIT-MEG system powers on without error messages.

  • Ensure helium level is sufficient for the planned session.

  • Confirm there are no active alarms on the compressors, ATP or ATL.

  • Check that the MSR door closes fully and the ventilation is working.

  • Verify that the emergency shutdown instructions are clearly visible.

Lab setup

  • Turn on the MEG Main PC and open the MEGLAB / MEG160 software.

  • Turn on the DAQ PCs via the MEG software (e.g. Acquire → Wake-Up DAQ).

  • Wake the Stimulus PC and run the test script.

  • Confirm the stimulus display in the MSR is correct.

  • Turn on camera monitors and communication soundboard.

  • Wake the HeadScan system in the preparation room.

  • Prepare the room: fresh linen on the bed, tape, earbuds, button box, cushions.

  • Make sure personal items and metal objects are removed from the MSR.

Participant arrival and screening

  • Obtain informed consent and required demographic information.

  • Confirm the participant has no contraindications for MEG / strong magnets.

  • Ask the participant to remove all metal objects (jewellery, watches, belts, hearing aids, bank cards, phones, etc.).

  • Change the participant into scrubs if required by local policy.

  • Check again for metal before entering the MSR.

Head localisation and positioning

Head scan

  • Seat the participant in the HeadScan chair.

  • Mark the laser points on the participant’s face according to the HeadScan system instructions.

  • Perform the head scan and register the required laser points.

Positioning in the MSR

  • Enter the MSR with the participant; remove footwear before entering.

  • Place the comfort pad under the participant’s knees.

  • Position the participant so the head is centred inside the KIT-MEG helmet.

  • Insert clean earbuds and position the left / right button box as required.

  • Apply head position markers as per local practice.

  • Check the participant is comfortable and can communicate with the operator.

Running the experiment

  • Confirm the correct experiment script is loaded on the Stimulus PC.

  • Start MEG acquisition on the MEG Main PC.

  • Verify that data are being recorded and that noise levels are acceptable.

  • Monitor the participant via camera and audio throughout the session.

  • Pause or stop the experiment if the participant reports discomfort.

End of session

  • Stop data acquisition in the MEG software.

  • Save and back up recorded data according to local data procedures.

  • Remove head position markers and earbuds.

  • Assist the participant out of the MSR and back into the preparation area.

  • Confirm the participant feels well before they leave.

  • Tidy the MSR (linen, pads, cables) so the system is ready for the next user.

  • Turn off non-essential peripherals (monitors, soundboard, lights) as per local practice.

Emergency shutdown procedure

Use this procedure if there is an emergency while the MEG system is on (e.g. fire alarm, serious medical event, major leak).

If a participant is in the MSR

  • Safely stop the task and speak to the participant.

  • Remove the participant from the MSR following the evacuation instructions posted on the door of the MSR.

  • Do not delay evacuation for data saving.

Shut down MEG acquisition

  • On the MEG Main PC, open the MEG acquisition software if it is not already open.

  • In the menu bar, select:

    Acquire → Shutdown DAQ → Shut Down Data Acquisition Equipment

  • Confirm that the DAQ systems are stopping.

If the system was already off at the time of the emergency, no additional shutdown steps are required.

General emergency actions

  • Follow building fire / evacuation alarms immediately.

  • Alert people in the vicinity and guide them to the Emergency Assembly Point.

  • Once you are safe, contact Public Safety and inform them of the situation.

  • Provide any information about the MEG system status if requested by responders.

  • Do not re-enter the MSR or restart the system until cleared to do so.

Key contacts

  • Responsible Person – KIT-MEG operations: * Hadi Zaatiti – hz3752@nyu.edu – 056 275 4921

  • Core Technology Platform (CTP) contacts: * Osama Abdullah – oa22@nyu.edu – 056 679 3378 * Haidee Paterson – hp42@nyu.edu – 02 628 7635

  • Director of Laboratory: * Reza Rowshan – rr130@nyu.edu – 02 628 4110

  • Facilities Management: * Jake Edmondson - jake.edmondson@nyu.edu – 02 628 4051