Extending The Life Of Your MRI | Atlantis Worldwide

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Extending The Life Of Your MRI
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By Vikki Harmonay
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MRI machines are very expensiveand with the cost
of helium rising between 50-100 in recent years
plus the cost of maintenance and replacement
parts, operating an MRI is expensive, too. In
addition, MRI systems are complex and sensitive.
So how can you get the most out of your MRI?
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Routine Maintenance is Key
When an MRI machine is installed, quite a few
tests are performed in order to make sure its
exhibiting optimal performance. But thats just
the beginning. Once its installed, its
important to perform quality checks daily in
order to monitor system performance. Each MRI
manufacturer and MRI system has a different set
of tests to perform, calibrations and areas to
troubleshoot. Its important to perform the
correct maintenance and tests for your MRI make
and model.
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Safety
Every MRI systems obtains raw data by
interpreting RF information. Thats why MRI rooms
need to be shielded from any external RF signals,
and those shielding areas need to be routinely
inspected. Be sure to inspect the door on a
regular basis so you know that all shielding
elements are intact and the surfaces are clean.
You should also inspect the penetration panel to
make sure no shielding plates or cable
connections have become loose. If you have RF
leaks within the room, the result can be poor
images. You can also lose valuable time
troubleshooting the issue and making necessary
repairs and adjustments.
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• Because the magnet never shuts down and is always
  fully powered, its important to make sure
  everything is operating properly. Of course, you
  need to make sure all screws are tight and no
  cables or components have become loose. In
  addition, there are several specific areas to
  focus on when performing magnet MRI maintenance.
  These include
• Maintaining proper center frequency
• Maintaining proper shim in order to provide
  homogeneity of the image
• Maintaining proper cooling on the helium vessel
• Ensuring the overall mechanical condition

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Helium Services
With helium becoming more scare and increasingly
more expensive, its more important than ever to
maintain a careful system monitoring for helium
fills. Its wise to schedule helium fills more
frequently, especially if the shortage increases
even more and cryogen vendors starts to cap the
number of liters that can be dispensed in a
single visit. Another way to keep costs down is
to commit to a contract with a specific cryogen
supplier. If you have a qualified technician to
refill your helium, that can save money on labor
as well.
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MRI Damage And Warranty
When it comes to MRI scanners, they dont have a
lot of moving parts. That means its unlikely for
the scanner to experience extensive damage.
Usually, the only damage is cosmetic in nature,
like scratched paint. You will have to replace
coils and pads. Its always important to have a
solid warranty or service contract for your MRI
scanner. Perform maintenance routinely and be
aware of when your warranty expires. If you have
a system without a warranty, be sure to contact
your vendor for a list of qualified engineers in
your area.
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Talk To An Expert
Atlantis Worldwide has been helping healthcare
professionals find the ideal medical imaging
equipment for the past 30 years. Oftentimes
refurbished or used imaging systems provide the
performance you want at a much lower priceand
still delivering great warranties and service
contracts. Contact Us Today!
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Some blogs you may have missed

• The Future of Helium MRIs
• MRI Cold Head Tips
• How Much Is Your MRI Worth?
• Solutions For MRI Coil Failure
• Should your business lease or buy medical imaging
  equipment?
• Free MRI Resources

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