Veterinary Advanced Imaging Advisor · Magnetic Resonance Imaging
MRI for advanced neurologic and soft-tissue programs.
MRI is a program-level decision involving clinical demand, magnet and site requirements, anesthesia workflow, interpretation, service, and long-term operational readiness.
A clinical program with a scanner at its center.
MRI selection cannot be reduced to field strength alone. Patient access, coils, sequences, anesthesia and monitoring, scan time, image interpretation, magnet siting, safety zones, service response, and operating cost all shape the right direction.
Clinical capability
Define the neurologic, spinal, musculoskeletal, and other advanced soft-tissue studies the hospital expects to perform.
- Prioritize the routine protocols
- Estimate realistic weekly volume
- Align specialist and interpretation support
Site and safety
MRI requires disciplined facility, access-control, screening, monitoring, and emergency planning.
- Complete an MRI site-readiness review
- Plan controlled access and patient flow
- Confirm power, cooling, shielding, and equipment compatibility
Ownership and service
System age, magnet design, service history, parts, applications support, and downtime planning are central to the business case.
- Compare new and refurbished options
- Review service coverage before purchase
- Model lifecycle cost—not purchase price alone
Hallmarq SaMRI Gen3 module specifications.
This is a planning example for Hallmarq’s Generation 3 small-animal 1.5T module—not a universal MRI specification. Conventional and refurbished MRI suites require their own magnet- and configuration-specific site plan.
Module envelope
- Size: 51 ft 2 in long × 9 ft 11 in wide × 10 ft 8 in high.
- Weight: approximately 25–30 tonnes.
- Base: flat, hard, level site with less than 6% incline and capacity for 90 psi load pressure.
Access and siting
- Clear zone: 8 ft additional clearance on all sides, free of ferrous objects and kept open for access.
- Location: review RF interference, vibration, moving ferrous objects, rigging, and delivery turning area.
- Safety: controlled access and a complete MRI safety plan are required.
Power
- Supply: 480 VAC, 150 A, three-phase + PE, 60 Hz ±1 Hz.
- Power quality: earth ground 2 ohms or less, maximum 2% line imbalance, ±5% voltage variation.
- Protection: 75 kW power conditioner normally required; a 25 kW automatic generator is strongly recommended for the magnet coldhead.
Make the decision around the practice.
The strongest MRI recommendation connects case demand, specialist use, protocol mix, anesthesia, interpretation, site planning, and service. A system that looks attractive on specifications can still be the wrong operational fit.
Strong fit when
- Neurologic or advanced soft-tissue demand is established
- Specialty staffing and interpretation are available
- The site can support MRI safety and facility requirements
- The organization is prepared for longer-term operational complexity
Questions to resolve 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?
Plan the whole program—not only the scanner.
Clinical fit is only the first decision. Patterson helps connect site readiness, workflow, training, interpretation, service, and financial planning before a final configuration is selected.
Treat MRI as a clinical and operational program.
We can help define the requirements before comparing available systems and configurations.
Sources: Hallmarq and 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.
Veterinary Advanced Imaging Advisor is independently maintained by Chris Weaver, National Imaging Manager at Patterson Veterinary, and is not an official Patterson Companies website. Recommendations begin with clinical need, space, workflow, budget, team readiness, and long-term support. They may include systems Patterson does not sell; when an outside option is the best fit, it will be identified clearly.