AdvancedImaging.Vet · MRI
MRI: for brain, spine and soft tissue
MRI is a bigger project than CT. The magnet changes your building, your safety rules and your staffing. I'd settle the caseload and who reads the studies before comparing magnets.
What goes into the decision
Field strength is only one part. Patient access, coils, sequences, anesthesia and monitoring, scan time, who reads the studies, where the magnet sits, safety zones, service and running costs all matter.
Clinical capability
List the brain, spine, joint and soft-tissue studies you expect to do.
- Prioritize the routine protocols
- Estimate realistic weekly volume
- Align specialist and interpretation support
Site and safety
MRI needs strict control of who and what goes near the magnet, plus screening, monitoring and an emergency plan.
- Complete an MRI site-readiness review
- Plan controlled access and patient flow
- Confirm power, cooling, shielding, and equipment compatibility
Ownership and service
The magnet's age and design, its service history, parts, applications support and a plan for downtime all feed the business case.
- Compare new and refurbished options
- Review service coverage before purchase
- Look at cost over its life, not just the purchase price
Every MRI needs its own site plan
I sell refurbished MRI through Block Imaging. There is no single set of room and power numbers, because each magnet is different. Before you commit, get a site plan written for the exact system.
The room
- Magnet room, equipment room and control area
- RF shielding, and magnetic shielding where needed
- Floor loading and a delivery path for the magnet
Around the magnet
- Vibration, moving steel and RF interference nearby
- Safety zones and controlled access
- Quench venting or cryogen needs for that magnet
Power and cooling
- Power supply and quality for the exact system
- Chiller and HVAC capacity
- Backup power for the parts that must stay cold
Is it right for you?
Good fit if
- You already have steady neurology or soft-tissue demand
- You have specialists and someone to read the studies
- Your site can meet MRI safety and facility requirements
- You're ready for a more complex operation over the long term
Sort out first
- Which protocols will drive most studies?
- Who will interpret the images?
- What magnet and coil configuration is appropriate?
- How will service, downtime, and lifecycle cost be managed?
Before you decide
I'd want to see your room, know who's reading the studies, and plan training and service for the exact system. Send me what you have and I'll tell you what I'd check first.
Thinking about MRI?
Tell me about your caseload and who would read the studies. That's where I'd start.
Sources: Applicable OEM technical literature; Block Imaging siting and service resources; and current configuration-specific site-planning documents. Verify magnet, room, shielding, HVAC, power, quench or cryogen requirements, and service coverage for the exact system.