If your business is considering adding an MRI to your
practice, you already know that it is a much more than just adding one room to
your existing facility. Proper planning before you install the equipment saves
An MRI installation specialist can make sure you have considered the small
details of your MRI, but you should keep the following elements in mind.
Plan your site carefully. You have to consider the space
around the four walls that will house your MRI, but also the area above and
around the suite. What happens outside your building can have major effects on
the quality of your images. Traffic patterns, power lines, both above and below
ground, elevators, and other elements will affect your images.
There are a lot of structural support guidelines and HVACrequirements that have to be met as well. You need to make sure that the
building has the electrical requirements and appropriate plumbing. It has to
meet the property codes for healthcare professionals, and it will have to meet
the codes for the mechanical properties of the MRI.
Make sure your contractor understands the magnetic shielding
requirements of the job. You may also need sound dampening for the job. You
should have shield tests performed along every step of the process, before you
begin, once the room is complete, then again after MRI installation.
You will need space for support areas and patient
preparation rooms. The MRI itself may only take up a 24 x 30 foot area, but you
have to consider the other space you need for patient safety. Your diagnostic
imaging area needs to flow efficiently and have the room to store records and
maintain confidentiality.
An industry expert is the best resource you have when you
are considering adding an MRI to your practice. You may want to think ahead
when planning to allow for future accommodations. Your MRI installation will go
more smoothly when you plan ahead and work with a professional who understands
all the issues.
