An Online Repository for Pre-Clinical Imaging Protocols (PIPs)

Area of Science:

• Quantitative imaging
• Biomedical research
• Scientific methodology

Background:

• Traditional peer-reviewed journals often lack sufficient detail for complex methods, particularly in imaging.
• Existing specialized journals may not adequately cover instrument validation or extensive statistical analysis.
• Researchers face time constraints, limiting their ability to document methods thoroughly.

Purpose of the Study:

• To introduce standardized protocol templates for positron emission tomography (PET), X-ray computed tomography (CT), and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI).
• To provide a platform for quantitative imaging experts to self-publish detailed experimental protocols.
• To enhance the accessibility, searchability, and reproducibility of imaging research methods.

Main Methods:

• Development of protocol templates tailored for PET, CT, and MRI.
• Leveraging the protocols.io platform for self-publishing detailed protocols.
• Encouraging authors to link detailed protocols to their peer-reviewed publications.

Main Results:

• Creation of easily usable, accessible, and searchable protocol templates.
• Establishment of an open-access resource for detailed imaging protocols.
• Protocols are designed to be editable and citable, fostering community feedback.

Conclusions:

• The new templates address the need for detailed methods in quantitative imaging, balancing depth with researcher time.
• This initiative promotes open science principles by making detailed protocols readily available.
• The protocol templates aim to improve the reproducibility and transparency of imaging research.