Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS) Laboratory

Introduction

The Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS) Laboratory is equipped with a TMS system. TMS is a magnetic method used to stimulate small regions of the brain. The magnetic field generator, or known as the coil, of the TMS will create an electric current through the scalp and skull to the designated region of the brain. TMS system allows researchers to study human brain with the designated area in the status of being active or inactive. This Laboratory is administered by the Centre for Interdisciplinary Research, and the Centre of Interdisciplinary Research in Evidence-Based Practice (thereafter called “the Centres”), under the Institutional Development Scheme (IDS) of the Hong Kong Shue Yan University (HKSYU).

Opening Hours

By appointment

Booking Procedure

1. Go to Booking Timetable to check the availability of the TMS Laboratory.
2. Complete and submit the Research Laboratory and Equipment Booking Form via the online booking platform. We do not accept email or phone booking.
3. It normally takes two working days for approval after receiving the booking request. However, if insufficient information is provided, the request may be delayed or not be considered or processed.
4. A confirmation email will be sent to your registered email once your booking is approved.

Rules and Regulations

1. Eligible Users

• The Centres’ facilities including the laboratories and equipment are only for use by HKSYU student and staff, as well as authorized persons such as research collaborators. Transfer of bookings is prohibited.
• All users are requested to abide by the regulations for the use of the Centres’ facilities. Breach of regulations may lead to cancellations of bookings, suspension of future bookings of any facilities under the administration of the Centres, or payment of fines.

2. Use of Facilities and Equipment

• Users should bring their HKSYU staff cards or student identity cards for inspection.
• The software installed in the Centres’ facilities is covered by copyright. Unauthorized copying of software, including programs, application, databases and codes are not allowed.
• Users should not install any software in the workstations without the authorization of the Centres.
• Users must return the equipment to the Centre by the due date and time of booking.
• Users should keep the borrowed equipment clean and ensure that the equipment is in the same condition as it was borrowed.
• Users should stop using the equipment if there is any malfunction or damage, and report to the Centres’ staff immediately.
• Users are not allowed to use the borrowed equipment outside the designated location unless special approval is obtained from the Centres.

3. Cancelation of Booking

• Users must cancel the booking via the online booking platform or notifying the Centres through email (cebp@hksyu.edu) if a booking is no longer required.
• Cancelation should be done as early as possible to free up the slots so that a new booking can be made. 
• If the Pre-No.8 Typhoon Warning or the Typhoon Warning Signal No.8 or above, or the Black Rainstorm Signal is in force within two hours before the booking, the booking will be cancelled.
• If the Pre-No.8 Typhoon Warning or the Typhoon Warning Signal No.8 or above is issued during the booking session, the booking will be cancelled.
• If the Black Rainstorm Signal is issued during the booking period, the booking will still be held unless the inclement weather affects the safety of users.
• The Centres reserves the rights to cancel any bookings when such need arises.

4. No Show Policy

• The facilities are free to HKSYU students and staff. Users who repeatedly cancel reservations may have their booking privileges constrained.
• If a user does not turn up at the scheduled booking date/time without prior notification, the reservation will be regarded as ‘no-show’ and deemed cancelled.
• For a third “no-show” violation, the concerned user will be withdrawn from the privilege of reserving the Centres’ facilities for one month.
• For a fourth “no-show” violation and above, the concerned users will be withdrawn from the privilege of reserving the Centres’ facilities for three months.
• The no-show records will be counted and retained from January to December on an annual basis.

5. Safety Requirements for Using the Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS) Device

• Users must have thoroughly read the Equipment User Manual and Safety Guidelines and follow the instructions accordingly. They should sign a statement to indicate their agreement to relevant rules and regulations before using the equipment.
• Users should seek prior approval from authorized teachers (e.g. research supervisors) and/or relevant organizations (e.g. Human Research Ethics Committee) before booking if they intend to use the equipment for research involving human participants.
• Student users should be accompanied by an authorized teacher when operating the equipment.

6. Users’ Responsibility

• Eating and drinking without prior approval are not allowed.
• Smoking is prohibited.
• Users should keep the facilities clean and tidy.
• Users should not move or relocate any facilities or furniture in the TMS laboratory without the permission of the Centres.
• Users should take care of their belongings. Any personal items left unattended in the laboratory (on the seat) may be reported to and removed, without prior notice, by the on-duty staff. The Centres will not be responsible for any loss or damage to unattended personal property.

7. Damage or Loss Compensation

• Users are responsible for the care and use of the Centres’ facilities. Users may be liable for any loss of the borrowed equipment or to bear the cost of repairing any damage to the facilities caused by negligence or failure to adhere to the proper operating procedures.

8. Contact

• For enquiry, please contact the Centres at irpids@hksyu.edu/cebp@hksyu.edu or call 2804 8579.

Disclaimer

The Centre for Interdisciplinary Research and the Centre of Interdisciplinary Research in Evidence-Based Practice, under Institutional Development Scheme of the Hong Kong Shue Yan University reserves the right of final decision on the interpretation of the above guidelines. The guidelines are subject to change and will be updated from time to time. (February 2018)

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I just walk in without booking in advance?

Users must seek the approval from the authorized teacher/staff and book the laboratory in advance. Users who repeatedly cancel reservations or appear no-show may have their booking privileges constrained.

2. Can I use the TMS Laboratory outside the opening hours?

Due to the specificity and complexity of the equipment, the laboratory will only open by appointment.

3. Is there any technical support in the TMS Laboratory?

If users encounter any difficulties on using the hardware, please report to the Centre Staff in Room LG308.

4. If I want to use the TMS system, what should I do?

Owing to the restrictions in using the neuroscience equipment such as TMS, users should seek consultation and prior approval/support from authorized teachers/Centre staff before booking. Particularly, student users must be accompanied by an authorized teacher when operating the equipment. Please refer to the Rules and Regulations No. 5 ‘Safety Requirements for using the TMS device in this page for more details.

5. If I do not receive any booking confirmation after booking, what should I do?

It normally takes two working days for approval after receiving the booking request. However, if insufficient information is provided, the request may be delayed or not be considered or processed. Please contact the Centre if you have any queries.

6. If I have not brought my student/staff ID card, can I still use the facilities?

Only HKSYU staff and students can use the facilities. Users should bring their HKSYU staff cards or student identity cards for inspection. The Centre has the right to disallow a person without hue Yan ID card from using the facilities.