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The Ultimate MRI Project Planning Checklist

Table of Contents

Congratulations .......................................................... Page 1

Pre-Installation .............................................................. Page 2

During MRI Installation .................................................. Page 3

Before you Begin Scanning ........................................... Page 5

Congratulations...

Congratulations! So, you just purchased a new MRI (or are in the process of finalizing). This system will go a long way toward expanding your facility’s imaging capabilities. Now it is time to make all the plans for getting this massive beast of a machine into the building which is precisely why you downloaded this awesome MRI Project Planning Checklist. Let the fun begin!

Congratulations

For a complete listing of Block’s available systems and services please visit www.blockimaging.com 1

Pre-Installation

Can take anywhere from 2 days to 12 months

If you’ve never done this before, you might be a little uneasy about moving a few tons of aluminum and highly sensitive electronics up and down your hallways while your staff and patients attempt to go about their regular business. You might even spend the whole first day of the project deciding where to start

We don’t blame you. And that’s why we’ve decided to throw you a bone with the following steps. If you work down this list in its entirety, you’ll be in excellent shape on the day your new MRI machine arrives

1. The following tests are required to ensure your site is acceptable for an MRI and to determine your lead shielding needs: RF interference, AC/DC Interference, Vibration testing. This testing needs to be completed by your shielding company. The results should be passed along to your MRI install company.

2. Site-specific drawings need to be created detailing equipment placement, electrical runs, HVAC amenities, and room plumbing. You’ll need to provide your installer with an architectural drawing of your space as a basis for these.

3. Make sure you are working with a contractor that understands medical construction. When dealing with medical gasses, lead lining, and specialized doors and windows, the contractor you choose should have a solid background in dealing with these specifics.

4. Schedule a site visit by the installing engineer to answer any questions and make sure everyone is on the right track. Consult your installer to schedule follow-up visits as needed. It pays to be certain things are being done correctly.

5. Work with your electrician to make sure the proper power supply is pulled into the proper location. As a general rule, MRIs use 480V 3-Phase power, but it’s best to consult your equipment provider before you and your electrician finalize any plans.

6. Have an MRI chiller installed with all the necessary connections. The chiller may be provided as part of the deal, or you may need to purchase one yourself. If you work with a vendor other than the one who sold you your MRI, be sure you provide them with complete and accurate specifications on your MRI to ensure you receive the proper chiller.

7. Schedule a final site visit to ensure your room is ready to accept delivery and proceed with installation. This visit is crucial! It’s far more convenient to find out that your electrical runs, for example, need to be redone BEFORE several tons of MRI equipment are standing on your doorstep.

Note: If you are replacing a magnet, most facilities will typically bring in a mobile MRI rental in order to continue scanning and generating revenue. The MRI rental would arrive prior to the existing system de-installation and it would stay on site through the end of apps training on the new MRI.

Pre-Installation

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During MRI Installation

During MRI Installation

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Timeframe is generally between 1- 2 weeks

If you’re working with experts, this next section is more or less what you can expect to go on during your installation. If you completed steps 1-7 beforehand, the steps you see below should take place efficiently and smoothly. At any rate, with the exception of steps 1.f-g, which will rely on contractors scheduled by you, this is your chance to step back and let your installers work their magic.

1. Delivery will be a flurry of activity and people:

a. The system will arrive via tractor trailer – this varies depending on the situation – could be a flat bed with the equipment tarped or it could be a covered van line truck. Shipping company staff will be on hand to assist with offloading (typically the driver and a helper).

b. Riggers will be on site to remove the system from the truck and place the equipment accordingly inside the facility (typically 2-3 people).

c. The engineer will be on site to oversee the rig and ensure proper placement of all equipment (typically engineer and 2 helpers).

d. The contractor and tradespeople will be on site to close the opening the magnet came in through and take care of any finish / trim work inside the room (typically 2-3 people).

e. The shielding company will be on site to close up the RF shielding in the room (typically 2 people).

f. Your site’s HVAC contractor will need to be on site to hook up the chiller to the system.*

g. Your site’s electrician will need to be on site to get power applied.*

h. Typically several staff members come to observe the big day!

2. The engineer will then proceed with connecting the cold head to the chiller and power supply to keep the system cool and minimize helium loss.

3. At this point the mechanical installation will begin – securing the magnet, running cables, assembling covers, etc.

4. Sometime during the mechanical install the system will have a helium fill to get it to acceptable levels for ramp / shim.

5. Once this is done the room will be cleaned and cleared of all ferrous (read magnetic) material and the staff will be informed that the magnetic field will be coming up. At this time everyone must be careful to not carry any ferrous material into the room, i.e. gurneys, wheelchairs, oxygen tanks, their wallets (bye bye credit cards!), etc. otherwise they risk losing it to the magnet and causing potential damage to the system.

6. The magnet will then be “ramped”. This process involves gradually applying electric current to the magnet up to its 480v 3-phase maximum. Ramping safely increases the magnetic field of the system into a usable range.

7. Once the system is at field the engineer will proceed with “shimming”. This is the process of making the magnetic field perfectly round as it is influenced by external ferrous sources – metal structure of the room, support beams, large items in neighboring rooms or outside the room, etc.

8. The system will then be calibrated to ensure it is producing images at or above OEM spec and is connected to the site’s PACS network.

9. Once the system installation is completed and it is confirmed fully functional to OEM spec, system handover will take place with the site. This includes a system demonstration of use, power up/shut down procedures, instructions on how to monitor the helium percentage, handling any alarms on the system, and demonstration of image quality.

*These items are handled most efficiently if your contractors are scheduled concurrently with your magnet delivery. This will save time and minimize helium boil-off.

During MRI Installation (Continued)

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Before You Begin Scanning

Once the install procedures are done there are a couple of additional items that probably need attention. These may not have been mentioned in your contract with your MRI vendor, so be sure to inquire after them to be sure they are taken care of before you begin scanning patients.

1. Applications training for the techs – this is more in-depth than the system demonstration of use – it includes setting up clinical protocols for scanning patients based on the studies the site will be performing, instruction on clinical use of the system, how to get the most out of the system, and can include CE credits. You might want to check out the major differences between applications training vs. system demonstration of use.

2. Service contract – this is the key piece in making sure your equipment continues to perform the way the manufacturer intended! This could be a full service contract that includes time, materials, and PM’s or a less inclusive contract customized to your site’s budgetary needs.

And that, start to finish, is the complete process of an MRI installation. There truly is quite a lot to be done, but hopefully you’ll find it helpful to have all the expectations together in one place.

Oh yeah, there is one other step we should tell you about. This step can be done at any time in the installation process and repeated as often as necessary:

Call us… 517.668.8800! We’d love to help you out with any questions that come up along the way.

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Before You Begin Scanning

For a complete listing of Block’s available systems and services please visit www.blockimaging.com 5

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