Tips on Redesigning Your MRI Suite

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Sensible Solutions for Refurbished Radiology
Tips on Redesigning Your MRI Suite
By Vikki Harmonay
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Sensible Solutions for Refurbished Radiology
Is it time to replace your current MRI equipment?
Youd think itd be easy. Just remove the old one
and replace it with a new one, right? Wrong. Over
the years MRI technology has evolved and safety
regulations have changed. When its time to
replace MRI equipment, its important to do it
right, in order to experience as little down-time
as possible and to make the installation go
smoothly. Here are the top things to consider if
going through an MRI Suite redesign
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1. What can you do to manage your MRI scheduling
during equipment replacements? Most healthcare
facilities cant afford to just stop providing
MRI services while old equipment is removed, and
new equipment is installed. You could add a
mobile unit with medical imaging equipment while
your current MRI Suite is being redesigned.
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2. Choose the right magnetic field strength. As
you know, MRI requires a magnetic field that is
uniform and strong. These magnetic field
strengths are measured by Teslas, which determine
image quality and scan speed. Most systems
operate at high field strengths of 1.5 T (Teslas)
Before you upgrade your MRI Suite, think about
your current applications and what you wish they
did better. You might want to consider getting a
3.0T machine, which can create very
high-resolution images that are clear and
vividand they can be created much faster, which
decreases the overall scan time. These 3.0T
machines are ideal for scanning small bones, as
well as the spine, brain and heart. Youll want a
1.5T machine for scanning abdomens and chests.
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3. Youll want to consider your Tesla choice,
patients and the types of scan request that are
typical to your practice. For example, a true
open MRI utilizes fixed magnets. It operates on a
low- to mid-field strength and is open on all
sides, using two flat magnets above and beneath
patients. This provides a spacious environment
for the patient experience. However, open MRIs
are not preferred because of their lack of
strength. While a closed-bore MRI provides
high-field strength, its opening is 60 cm, which
is not ideal for larger or claustrophobic
patients. You may want to choose a wide-bore MRI,
which isnt open on all sides but operates on
high-field strength and delivers high-resolution
images.
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Sensible Solutions for Refurbished Radiology
The patient lies in a 70 cm hole which provides
a more comfortable atmosphere and reduces
claustrophobic issues. Making the right choice of
MRI for your practice will also drive the design
of your MRI Suite. 4. Consider MRI Safe
Practices. An MRI Suite needs to be divided into
four clearly marked zones to minimize potential
risks and adverse incidents. Zone 1 is an
unrestricted-access area where healthcare
professionals and patients can access the MR
environment. Zone 2 is a controlled-access area
where patients are greeted, supervised and unable
to move around freely.
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Answers to screen questions, patient histories
and insurance information is gathered here. All
materials that could be attracted by magnet are
removed from staff, visitors and patients before
entering Zone 3. Zone 3 is a restricted-access
area that holds post-screen patients and acts as
an MR Control room. The zone should use security
methods like card access to restrict all non-MR
personnel. This area is the last barrier to an
incident or injury from a magnetic field,
unscreened personnel, equipment, etc. before
entering Zone 4. Zone 4 is the MR scanning room.
It needs to be marked with a red light and a
lighted sign that states The Magnet Is On.
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There should also be a warning sign on the floor,
usually placed in front of the door to the MR
room. All who enter Zone 4 will pass through a
Ferro-metal detector before entering the MR Room.
MR technicians should also have direct visual
observation to all access pathways in the zone.
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5. Determine the Rigging. Chances are when your
MRI was first installed, there was a pathway from
the outside to the room. You must carefully
prepare for rigging, because the weight of an MRI
is 7 tons and can generate superstructure
damage, as well as crack a Terrazzo floor. You
need to know what is located below the current
floor, the existing magnet dimensions and whether
a tilt frame was originally used for transport.
If your facility is selling the existing magnet,
youll need to review the contracted rigger and
their qualifications. When rigging a new magnet
in, youll need to verify dimensions of all
existing corridors, handrail projections, ceiling
cameras and signage. Youll need to analyze the
length of the long bore for turns, and check
magnet height.
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Sensible Solutions for Refurbished Radiology
Will you need to redesign or renovate your MRI
areas to comply with safety regulations or
accommodate your new machines? By researching
steps 1-5 you can avoid costly mistakes. You may
find that a total redesign makes more sense that
just a renovation. Commissioning and
Decommissioning MRI. Your service engineer should
be contacted for the decommissioning and ramping
down of the existing magnet. This will prevent
any helium quenching. After its been ramped
down, a controlled removal of helium should
happen. The engineer will provide proper
commissioning, as well as the continuity of the
radio frequency shield and electromagnetic
shield.
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Sensible Solutions for Refurbished Radiology
You might want to find a third-party contractor
for the RF and electromagnetic shields, as well
as for the final room analysis after your magnet
has been installed, shimmed and ramped up. This
will help prevent artifacts from showing up in
your scans. Determine the future of your old
machine. Many third-world countries dont possess
adequate MRI technology. Before you scrap or sell
your existing MRI, its important to note there
is a large market for used MRIs, which the
majority of sales involving the buyer paying for
all rigging to remove the existing MRI.
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Talk to An Expert
Still confused? Reach out to an expert at
Atlantis Worldwide. Were happy to provide you
with guidance and information. We can also help
you find used and certified refurbished medical
imaging equipment that could suit your needs, and
even help you find a new home for your old
equipment. Weve got 28 years of happy
customers! Contact Atlantis Worldwide today.
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5. Should your business lease or buy medical imaging
   equipment?
6. Free MRI Resources

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