Buying an MRI Machine - a general Guide

Normally all atomic nuclei in the body rotate around their own axis. This angular momentum is also called "nuclear spin". Due to their rotation, these nuclei generate a minimal magnetic field. The hydrogen nuclei, which occur most frequently in the body, are particularly important here. Under natural circumstances, the magnetic orientation of the hydrogen nuclei is purely random.

If, however, a strong magnetic field is applied from the outside, these atomic nuclei all arrange themselves in the same direction, namely in the longitudinal direction of the body. Magnetic resonance imaging uses this principle. There is a very strong magnetic field in the MRI machine. In addition to this magnetic field, the MRI device also emits radio waves with a high frequency onto the body during the MRI examination.

This changes the orientation of the hydrogen nuclei in the body. After each radio wave pulse, the hydrogen nuclei return in the longitudinal direction. The atomic nuclei emit special signals, which are measured and then combined into images by the computer. However, these signals are not sufficient to obtain usable images. For this reason, additional magnetic fields are applied to the body with the aid of so-called coils.

The market for diagnostic MRI systems has a great future because an MRI machine is essential for many medical practices today. However, implementation is not that easy as the costs are an important factor. These are at least 750,000 euros net.

The costs for an interventional MRI system can even be over 3 million euros net. An open MRI is most pleasant for patients and offers numerous advantages. Due to the open design, the device offers an all-round view for the patient. The high lying comfort is particularly suitable for patients with claustrophobia, pain, limitations or for sick and elderly.

With the Upright MRI, it is possible for the first time to perform a magnetic resonance imaging examination upright and thus under the natural weight load. In many cases, this enables supplementary and more meaningful diagnostics, which cannot be achieved with conventional, exclusively horizontal MRI examinations. If you want to save money, you might want to take a look at the used equipment.

In order to be able to use an MRI machine properly, accessories must be purchased. This ranges from special MRI furniture such as couches, chairs and instrument trolleys to electronic MRI accessories such as monitors and ventilators. The cost is between approx. 100 and 2,000 euros net, depending on the article. Some MRI systems (e.g. Upright MRI) allow the installation of an entertainment system.

The current operating costs are currently up to 15,000 euros net per month. This amount depend on the coolant and power consumption as well as the software in use. In order to install an MRI machine, a suitable room is required. If necessary, practices and hospitals must carry out conversion measures before purchasing a device. The rooms should be generously equipped and offer plenty of space for equipment and accessories.

In summary, the acquisition costs for an MRI system are made up of various factors. The price for an MRI 1.5 Tesla device is between approx. 1,250,000 and 3,500,000 euros net. In addition, there are costs for accessories, maintenance work and conversion costs for the MRI room. In the following table you will find a summary list of costs associated with the purchase of an MRI.

The selection of certified manufacturers of MRI equipment is limited, but the range is very broad. The most popular are manufacturers who offer upright devices and allow flexible positioning of the patient. In the meantime, manufacturers such as Philips and Siemens have established themselves as market leaders in the medical equipment market.

The medical equipment market for diagnostic MRI machines offers a wide range of products. By far the most frequently used system type is the open MRI, which offers many advantages for patients. You will also find many manufacturers of MRI software. To give you an overview, the following table shows a selection of the most popular MRI devices used in German hospitals and clinics.

When using medical equipment such as an MRI machine, doctors are obliged to document the results. In practices and clinics there must be a medical record book in which operating manuals, briefings, staff training, maintenance and repairs etc. are stored.

In order to ensure rapid repair in the event of damage, the MRI machine should be serviced regularly. There are certain instructions and specifications for this purpose. Moreover, you should get insured for repairs, damages and other insurance-relevant occurrences. In addition to the costs for maintenance and repairs, there are also the operating costs.

An MRI machine consumes a lot of electricity. The annual operating costs are approximately 180,000 euros net. The disposal of old equipment is also a cost item. On our website you can obtain free quotes for your used MRI system. We will forward your enquiry to qualified dealers and thus guarantee you quick purchase offers. In the following table you will find a selection of MRI accessories that can be purchased.

An MRI examination usually takes between 15 and 30 minutes. Before an examination, there is always an explanatory talk. The doctor (radiologist) explains the entire process to the patient, what risks there are and whether there are any alternatives.

In addition, the doctor informs himself about your state of health and checks whether there are any objections to the MRI examination. For the MRI examination, a couch drives the patient into a ring-shaped magnetic tunnel until the body area to be examined is in the middle of the tube. The examination is gentle and painless and it does not require potentially harmful X-rays. A major disadvantage of MRI, however, is that metal on or in the body (metal implants, metal splinters, etc.) can cause side effects and image disturbances.

However, modern metal implants are usually not a problem as they are made of non-magnetic metal. The prices for an MRI examination vary depending on the organ and the complexity of the examination. During the entire examination, the patients are monitored by medical personnel via a screen or directly from the control room. The following table lists the estimated duration for individual body regions: