MRI Scanner Buyer's FAQ

A new MRI system ranges from $1,000,000 to over $2,500,000 depending on specifications. Certified pre-owned or refurbished MRI systems from Intel Imaging generally range from $150,000 to $450,000, offering cost savings of up to 50-70% with identical diagnostic quality and standard warranty terms.

The Total Cost of Ownership (TCO) includes the purchase price, site preparation, power consumption, helium refills, service contracts, and upgrades. Over a decade, ongoing operational costs often match or exceed the initial purchase price, which is why choosing an energy-efficient system and a reliable maintenance contract is crucial.

Intel Imaging provides flexible capital leases, structured rentals, and customized payment plans to align with your facility's cash-flow and clinical requirements. Our financing options help clinics acquire diagnostic equipment with minimal upfront capital expenditure.

1.5T is the standard magnetic strength for most clinical scans (brain, orthopedic, spine). 3T offers double the strength, leading to faster scan times and exceptionally high-resolution images, which is ideal for complex neurological, vascular, and functional studies.

Open MRI systems feature a C-shaped structure without a closed tunnel, making them perfect for claustrophobic, pediatric, or bariatric patients. They prioritize patient comfort, though high-field closed or wide-bore scanners still provide superior diagnostic image resolution.

Essential coils typically include Head, Neck, Spine, Body, and Knee. Cardiac, shoulder, and breast coils are optional based on your medical specialties. Software licenses should match your expected patient cases, such as diffusion, perfusion, or oncology protocols.

The process typically takes 3 to 6 weeks. It includes site preparation, structural rigging, RF copper room assembly, system rigging, vacuum pumping, magnet ramping, helium shimming, and comprehensive clinical applications training for your staff.

Yes, MRI magnets require a dedicated suite with built-in RF (Radio Frequency) shielding (copper lining) to block external noise, passive or active magnetic shielding to contain the safety line, and specialized cooling HVAC/chiller systems to prevent overheating.

Beyond the machine, you must budget for copper shielding room installation, electrical upgrades, heavy-machinery transport rigging, HVAC cooling chiller systems, and architectural design fees, which can range from $50,000 to over $150,000 depending on your building's structure.

Intel Imaging provides a comprehensive 1-year warranty on refurbished systems. We offer custom service level agreements (SLAs), including 24/7 technical support, remote diagnostics, preventive maintenance, and helium boil-off coverage.

We maintain a deeply stocked global inventory of OEM parts (coils, coldheads, RF amplifiers). We guarantee to support and provide replacement components for your MRI scanner for at least 7 to 10 years post-installation.

Yes, all refurbished MRI scanners from Intel Imaging are 100% DICOM compliant. They seamlessly integrate with any hospital PACS, RIS, or electronic health record (EHR) database for automated patient imaging data transfer.

We include 3 to 5 days of intensive, on-site clinical applications training by certified clinical educators for your radiological technologists, ensuring workflow optimization, patient safety, and high-quality image capture.

Our MRI systems support standard clinical applications (abdominal, musculoskeletal, vascular, neurological). Upgrades for advanced vascular imaging, oncology protocols, or newer software revisions can be added remotely or via local hardware swaps.

Yes, all systems are fully cleared by major regulatory authorities, including the FDA and CE, and undergo rigorous mechanical and structural inspections to strictly meet medical device standards before delivery.

Major brands (GE, Siemens, Philips) are excellent but differ in workflow and UI. GE is favored for robust clinical workflow, Siemens is renowned for advanced RF/research capability, and Philips is highly user-friendly. We help you choose the best brand matching your budget and needs.

Buying from a trusted reseller like Intel Imaging offers significant cost advantages, multi-brand side-by-side comparisons, flexible financing, and local customized service support without the steep premium pricing of direct OEM manufacturers.

Key questions include: Is rig rigging and transportation covered? What are the helium levels at delivery? Is the coldhead covered under the warranty? What are the specific remote software support uptime guarantees?

MRI scanners use a strong magnetic field and radio waves to generate details of internal structures without ionizing radiation, making them highly safe. However, strict metal screening protocols must be followed to avoid any magnetic hazards with implants or pacemakers.

Yes, MRI diagnostics are widely reimbursed under major private medical insurance networks and government Medicare programs, provided the scans are supported by proper diagnostic indication coding.

Closed MRIs have a standard 60cm bore tunnel; Wide-bore MRIs offer a more comfortable 70cm tunnel; Open MRIs have a C-shape magnetic structure without a tunnel, offering maximum comfort for claustrophobic patients.