When purchasing MRI equipment, facilities need to consider more than just earmarking money. Budgeting correctly requires a thorough analysis of your needs including facility construction, MRI suite size and negotiated service packages.
Ensure your MRI machine has the diagnostic capabilities to meet your patient demand. This includes expansion of existing imaging services and new opportunities for referrals.
Image Quality
MRI uses strong magnets and radio waves to take pictures of internal body structures without using radiation (X-rays). It can find areas of abnormal tissue, such as tumors or infection. It can also identify differences between fat, muscle, water and other soft tissues.
During the scan, you will lie in a capsule-like space where you’ll be asked to remain very still. This can be difficult for some patients, especially infants and people with claustrophobia. Medications can help ease your anxiety. In some cases, sedation or anesthesia may be necessary.
The magnetic field can cause some types of implanted medical devices to malfunction, such as metal clips used to treat brain aneurysms or some older cardiac defibrillator wires. It can also cause loud knocking noises and may stimulate muscles and nerves to produce twitching sensations in some patients.
Speed
The speed of the MRI machine can affect how long it takes for scans to finish and results to be generated. Some MRI scanners are faster than others, so this is an important factor to consider when choosing an MRI machine.
The MRI system’s ability to accommodate multiple patients simultaneously may also be important for your hospital. Some systems have an open design, which allows a technologist to tilt the device and scan a patient in a standing position, making it more accessible for people with disabilities or mobility limitations.
Lastly, the MRI machine’s lifespan and maintenance costs should be taken into consideration. Inquire about the initial helium supply, how often the magnet needs to be replaced, and what types of accessories are included in the purchase price. These factors can help you make a more informed decision when buying an MRI machine for your hospital.
Compatibility
As MRIs have become more widely used, they have also come into contact with many different types of medical devices. Some are implanted, such as cochlear implants or pacemakers; others are external or accessory devices, like leg braces or insulin pumps.
During an MRI, a person lies inside a capsule-like space. The MRI machine then creates a strong magnetic field and sends radio waves to the body. This changes the position of hydrogen atoms in water and other tissues, which is then recorded by the scanner. The signals are then turned into an image by a computer.
The powerful magnetic field of the MRI can attract any ferromagnetic metals on or within a person’s body, including some medical devices. For this reason, a person is often asked to remove any ferromagnetic objects before being allowed into an MRI room.
Safety
In general, MRI systems have long lifespans and can bring significant profit for imaging facilities. This is why many facilities prefer to purchase their MRI equipment rather than leasing it.
However, before making a decision to buy an MRI machine, buyers should ask themselves how their facility will handle the maintenance and repair costs of the system over time. They should also understand the consequences of an unexpected breakdown, such as a quench event that can damage the magnet.
To prevent such problems, a facility should consider hiring a dedicated MR safety team. This should include an MR medical director (MRMD) and an MRI safety officer (MRSO) to establish and implement MRI scanner safety policies.
Noise Reduction
An MRI machine uses powerful magnets, so it’s necessary to take precautions against metal objects that could interfere with the scan. Usually, the hospital will require you to change into a gown and remove any jewelry or accessories that contain metal. You may also have to take off any medical devices, such as pacemakers or aneurysm clips.
The magnetic fields that are switched on and off create loud knocking noises that can harm your hearing if adequate ear protection isn’t used. They can also cause nerve stimulation that feels like a twitching sensation.
During an MRI, you’ll lie down on a scanning bed that slides into the machine. You may be given a drug called gadolinium to help doctors spot tumors or other abnormalities. Then, radio waves and a computer produce detailed pictures of your body tissues.
Patient Comfort
MRI scans involve lying still in a closed space for a few minutes or more, and the procedure can be anxiety-inducing for patients. Some people suffer from mild to severe claustrophobia, and those who are prone to panic attacks may develop them during the test. Familiarization with the machine and process, visualization techniques, sedation, or anesthesia provide ways for patients to overcome their discomfort.
During an MRI scan, the patient wears a hospital gown and is asked to remove any items that contain metal, such as jewelry, credit cards, keys, hearing aids, pins or hair accessories, and certain types of medical devices (such as pacemakers or aneurysm clips). Depending on the type of scan, you might hear thumping sounds that are caused by the magnetic energy taking pictures. You may also feel a slight warmth in the area being imaged.
Warranty
An MRI scan is a noninvasive medical test that produces detailed pictures of the soft tissues, like organs and muscles. It uses a large magnet, radio waves and a computer to create images without using radiation (X-rays).
During an MRI test, you’ll be asked to lie very still for a long time in a tube-like machine that looks like a tunnel. You may hear thumping sounds during the exam, which is normal. You will be given earplugs or muffs to reduce the noise and help you stay as still as possible.
MRI scanners use strong magnets and radio wave signals that can cause heating and movement of some metal objects, such as bullets or shrapnel and implanted electronic devices, including heart pacemakers. If you have any such devices, your doctor will discuss the implications with you before scheduling an MRI scan.
Reliability
Reliability is the probability that a device will perform its intended function over time and under stated conditions. Reliability is an important consideration for any medical device, especially those used in diagnostic imaging.
When you enter an Magnetic Resonance Imaging scanner, you’re enclosed in a short, open-ended cylinder. It’s a safe procedure, although some people with claustrophobia may feel uncomfortable in the enclosed space. You’ll usually be injected with a contrast material to enhance the images and help your doctor find any areas of concern. The contrast material contains gadolinium, a safe substance that’s well tolerated by most people. However, allergic reactions are possible and can be mild to severe.
The strong magnetic field that MRI machines emit doesn’t harm your body, but it can cause certain implanted devices to malfunction or distort the scans. Your radiographer will ask you about any such devices before the test.
Software
The type of software used in an MRI system has a significant impact on image quality and performance. Ask about the specific software configuration and request sample images from the MRI machine. Examine the contrast settings and ensure that the scanner can display a full range of diagnostic capabilities.
Also, examine the coils to ensure that they can be used in a parallel imaging mode. This will improve efficiency and reduce imaging time, which contributes to better image quality.
Lastly, make sure the MRI sales company you work with offers maintenance and repair services for the systems they sell. This will provide peace of mind as well as convenience. Plus, it’s always a good idea to buy a name brand, even if it comes with a higher price tag. This way, you know the equipment is reliable.
Upgradeability
Many imaging facilities want to know whether or not they can upgrade their MRI machine. While upgrading the magnet can be expensive, the other components of the system typically need not be replaced.
Unlike a CT scanner, MRI machines are mostly magnets and computers that produce the readouts, so they do not need to be moved around the facility as often. This makes it easier to upgrade other parts of the system.
For example, some systems are able to maintain their low temperature without the use of helium (these are known as zero boil-off MRIs or 4K systems). This saves on maintenance costs.
Other upgrades, such as shorter scan times, can make a big difference for patients who find MRIs noisy and claustrophobic. These upgrades also give your facility an edge over competitors. For existing Bruker customers, an Excite upgrade allows you to keep your current magnet and table while improving the electronics and workstation software.
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