Site selection and preparation for a clinical MRI setup requires special considerations not previously encountered in a clinical setting. The factors involved in the placement of an MRI unit at the diagnostic facility are much more numerous and much more complex than radiological imaging equipment. In addition to the usual requirements for a suitable foundation and structure, the effects of the surrounding structure on the magnetic field uniformity and the effect of the fringe fields of the magnet on other devices should be considered. Radiofrequency (RF) signals from the MR setup can affect equipment in adjacent facilities and electronic devices worn by patients in the MR facility or in nearby areas. Conversely, and more likely, RF radiation in the environment can have detrimental effects on the operation of the MR viewer. The knowledge available in all these areas is both limited and scattered. This situation makes planning to be made more important.

What are the installation steps?

First of all, for delivery will be a flurry of activity and people: 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 and riggers will be on site to remove the system from the truck and place the equipment accordingly inside the facility. And also, the engineer will be on site to oversee the rig and ensure proper placement of all equipment. 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. RF shielding should be tested one more time prior to patching up the wall so any last modifications can be made. So, the shielding company will be on site to close up the RF shielding in the room. Site’s electrician will need to be on site to get power applied. 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. At this point the mechanical installation will begin – securing the magnet, running cables, assembling covers, etc. Once the system installation is completed and it is confirmed fully functional, 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.