EEG Data Journey
This workflow follows EEG data from site acquisition and submission through Lasso ingestion, validation, automated quality control, and preparation of standardized outputs for downstream processing. It supports multiple acquisition sites, vendors, and input formats. This page covers acquisition through standardized output preparation; downstream processing, cross-modal harmonization, and release packaging are outside its scope.
At a Glance#
Site staff collect EEG data and submit files and metadata through the Lasso Session Log Form.
Lasso checks metadata, required files, and acquisition requirements and returns feedback to site.
Data are converted to a supported intermediate format when needed.
Automated checks assess signal integrity, file structure, and metadata consistency.
Sites address actionable feedback and relevant checks are repeated after corrections.
Data are organized into DCC-supported formats, accompanied by QC reports and acquisition summaries.
Workflow Safeguards#
- Source Preservation: Original files and conversion provenance are preserved to be traceable/auditable.
- Documented Validation: Submission and QC checks generate reports identifying detected issues.
- Standards Alignment: Outputs use DCC-supported formats, including BIDS-EEG where applicable.
Responsibilities & Data Handoffs#
Site
Acquire & submit
- Collect EEG data
- Submit EEG data + metadata
Lasso
Ingest, validate, & prepare outputs
- Validation and automated QC
- Normalize formats
- Prepare final outputs after checks pass
*
Site
Resolve issues
- Review validation/QC reports
- Respond to actionable feedback
*Lasso returns validation and QC feedback to sites when action is required. Relevant checks are repeated after corrections; submissions that pass proceed to output preparation.
Workflow Details#
The EEG data journey consists of six phases. Site responsibilities are concentrated around data acquisition, submission, and responding to QC feedback; the DCC manages ingestion, normalization, automated QC, and preparation of approved outputs.
STEP 1 - Acquire & submit#
Immediately after each EEG acquisition, Research Assistants/EEG technicians complete the Lasso Session Log Form, recording session metadata and uploading the EEG files using the upload button at the end of the form.
STEP 2 - Validate submission#
Lasso checks the submitted EEG files and session metadata for completeness and acquisition requirements. Within 10 minutes of upload, the site receives automated feedback identifying validation warnings, errors, and any required follow-up. Sites are expected to address actionable items and acknowledge study coordinator feedback within the timelines outlined under Data Entry Compliance.
- Required session metadata and task files are present.
- Required event markers are present and correctly recorded.
- Recorded stimulus presentation and acquisition settings meet protocol requirements.
- Electrode impedances fall within acceptable limits.
- Multiple task runs or incomplete recordings are identified.
- E-Prime task versions match study requirements.
STEP 3 - Normalize formats#
Raw or vendor-specific formats are converted to a supported intermediate format, such as EEGLAB, as needed. Original raw files and conversion provenance are preserved.
STEP 4 - Run automated QC#
Automated QC evaluates signal integrity, file structure, and metadata consistency and generates reports.
STEP 5 - Review & resolve issues#
The automated QC reports are reviewed, sites are notified when action is needed, and relevant checks are repeated after corrections are made.
- Pass → proceed to output preparation.
- Fail → notify the acquisition site for review and optional remediation.
STEP 6 - Prepare outputs#
Outputs are converted as needed to DCC-supported formats (e.g., BIDS-EEG) to generate data, QC reports, and acquisition summaries.
Formats & Outputs#
| Category | Formats / artifacts |
|---|---|
| Source data | Original EEG files, including vendor-specific formats |
| Supported file formats | EEGLAB (.set, .fdt), EDF |
| Standardized dataset organization | BIDS-EEG, where applicable |
| Reports | Acquisition summaries and QC reports |