Magnetic resonance imaging systems evaluated

30 August 2006

Welwyn Garden City, Herts, UK. ECRI, an independent, nonprofit health services research agency, recently published an evaluation of three 1.5-tesla magnetic resonance imaging systems.

Magnetic resonance (MR) imaging is an essential diagnostic tool for healthcare facilities. Choosing the right MR system involves careful planning and selecting benefits and features that meet the needs of healthcare facilities. The in-depth article published in ECRI’s Health Devices journal provides information on selection criteria, extensive product specifications, and detailed results and analysis from ECRI’s testing to assist healthcare facilities in selecting and purchasing an MR system.

MR systems are vital clinical devices that come with a high cost to purchase and install. ECRI offers guidance on options to consider during the selection process, such as different field strengths, gradient systems, coils, channels, and specialized imaging features.

In addition, ECRI details offerings of three 1.5-tesla MR systems marketed by GE, Siemens, and Toshiba. The systems are rated for two different uses: inpatient imaging (performed in hospitals) and outpatient imaging (most often performed in imaging centres).

Additionally, the systems are evaluated and rated according to their ability to meet the needs of three specialized applications — breast and cardiac imaging and functional MR imaging. In this issue, ECRI found key differentiators between models: each of the three models received a preferred rating in at least one specific category of use. Hospitals and stand-alone MR imaging centres will find ECRI’s recommendations to be essential in the selection and purchasing process.

For more details about the report see www.ecri.org.uk or phone +44 (0)1707 831 001