Are you looking for an MRI to fit the needs of your imaging facility? Whether you have an imaging department in a hospital, urgent care, veterinary practice, imaging facility or ER, you have a wide range of MRIs to choose from. 
MRI Machines from GE, Philips, Toshiba and Siemens all have their strengths and weaknesses. The experts at Atlantis Worldwide have put together this list of considerations as the first step in your search for the ideal MRI for your needs.
What You Should Know About GE MRI Machines
GE is a well-respected and popular manufacturer of MRIs—and their price point will reflect that. You can expect to pay more for the equipment itself than with other manufacturers, but the service costs will be much lower as a rule. Why? Because GE MRI parts are readily available and most engineers have been trained to work on them. In addition GE MRI machines are easily upgradable, so the cost of taking an MRI to the next level can be very affordable when compared to MRI machines and parts from other manufacturers.
The downside? Finding refurbished or used GE MRI machines can be more challenging than by other manufacturers, making acquisition costs higher.
You’ll want to check out the GE 1.5T Signa Artist, 1.5T Signa Voyager, 1.5T Signa Explorer, 1.5T Optima 450W and 1.5T Excite HDXt models.
Pros & Cons For Philips MRI Machines
You’ll get lower upfront costs and higher ongoing service costs with the purchase of a Philips MRI Scanner on the secondary market. You’ll get superior images for the cost of the equipment because Philips magnets have powerful gradients. However, the magnet designs consume cryogen, especially on older models. It’s wise to purchase a service contract that includes cryogen coverage for liquid helium loss.
If you purchase a Philips MRI Machine, you’ll get top notch technology and superior image quality as well as lower up-front costs. The downside? You’ll have fewer service options and parts are not as available as those from GE.
You’ll want to take a look at the 1.5T Achieva with REX magnet (zero boil-off) or the 1.5T Ingenia with D-Stream.
What You’ll Get With Toshiba MRI Machines
These MRI Machines have a low up-front costs and higher service costs. All of the Toshiba models are wide-bore (65cm or 71cm) and you get excellent images thanks to excellent gradients. Toshiba magnets have Pianissimo technology which delivers near-silent scanning for some imaging sequences. Keep in mind, only newer Toshiba MRI Machine are zero boil-off.
Take a close look at the Toshiba 1.5T Vantage and 1.5T Titan on the secondary market.
What Siemens Has To Offer
Siemens MRI Machines have upfront costs that are similar to Philips. However, when it comes to ongoing service costs, they are more in line with GE MRI Scanners. They are easy to find on the secondary market but tend to be the most expensive.
Siemens MRI Machine deliver features that other manufacturers don’t—like wide-bore systems, Total Imaging Matrix and zero boil-off magnet designs.
Wide bore systems allow prices to inch downward as the equipment ages. TIM allows whole-body imaging with having to reposition the patient. Zero boil-off magnet designs are extremely efficient and burn very little cryogen.
You’ll want to take a closer look at the Siemens 1.5T Aera, 1.5T Altea, 1.5T Avanto FIT and 1.5T Espree.
Talk To An Expert
Buying used or refurbished MRI Machines on the secondary market can deliver equipment that fits your budget, provides ongoing maintenance and service and delivers the performance you want. If you need assistance finding the ideal equipment to fit your unique needs, talk to the experts at Atlantis Worldwide.
Some blogs you may have missed:
- The Future of Helium & MRIs
- MRI Cold Head Tips
- How Much Is Your MRI Worth?
- Solutions For MRI Coil Failure
- Should your business lease or buy medical imaging equipment?
- Free MRI Resources
Meet the author: Vikki Harmonay
