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