The New 10 Questions:
Part 1 of 2.

By Robert Junk, AIA, AHRA and Tobias Gilk

It has been a couple of years since we introduced our Ten Questions to Ask Your MRI Architect. In that time, this litmus test of basic technical and operational knowledge of MRI safety issues has been widely used and, unfortunately, abused. To celebrate the success of the Ten Questions and to keep one step ahead of those who would try to fake expertise in the planning and safety issues relevant to MRI safety, we’re proud to introduce a new Ten Questions!

1. Describe the difference between active and passive cryogen exhaust systems and your recommendations for each?
2. I know it is important to restrict access to the MRI magnet for safety reasons. Where is the most appropriate location to put a locked door?
3. Is there any problem having the access to the equipment room come through magnet room?
4. What special considerations are there for the design of structural systems to support MRI equipment?
5. Some advocate closed-circuit video monitoring of the MRI patient instead of a glass observation window. What are the comparative benefits?
6. What should be provided in terms of patient transfer areas for bringing stretcher or wheelchair patients into the MRI suite?
7. Are there any special considerations for MRI suite design for sedated or general anesthesia patients?
8. I’ve seen designs with MRI and CT sharing patient holding and control rooms. What are the pro’s and con’s and what is your recommendation?
9. Many hospitals have lots of their medical equipment on emergency power, what should we do for our MRI?
10. I’ve been hearing about some new type of metal detector for MRI suites. What can you tell me about them?

Next month, as before, we will provide our answers to each of the new Ten Questions that are critical benchmarks of knowledge and experience.

Just as with the original Ten Questions, an experienced architect, engineer, equipment planner or turn-key provider should be able to sit down with you and answer each of these over a cup of coffee. These issues are directly related to suite design, safety and throughput and aren’t difficult for experienced and knowledgeable providers to answer.

Anyone who needs to research the answers to the questions, refer to the vendor literature or look up the applicable building codes (there aren’t any), simply doesn’t know enough to be entrusted with a couple million dollars of your capital budget without help.

Particularly with the changing tide in safety oversight and the increased financial pressures on MRI providers resulting from reimbursement cuts, it is more critical than ever to make sure that your planning, design and construction consultants understand the issues you face and help you to set up a practice that is safe, efficient and clinically superior.

Join us in January for the Ten Answers to the above the questions. We encourage you to jot down your answers and test your own skills in MRI equipment planning and compare them to our responses next month.

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