Mobile MRI Machines

Understanding Mobile MRI Machines for Sale

A mobile MRI unit can eliminate much of the fear of purchasing and installing a fixed MRI unit in your facility.

The problem with a fixed MRI is that a lot of the cost involved includes the installation of an MRI, which is very difficult to remove once installed.

Mobile MRI machines virtually eliminate that risk. Here I'll explain these advantages... and the disadvantages of purchasing a mobile MRI. First, I'll give you some background and dispel some myths.

What is a Mobile MRI Scanner?

A mobile MRI is, technologically, the same as a fixed MRI. No clear evidence exists showing that they have inferior image quality nor drawbacks when compared to a fixed MRI machine.

Mobile MRI machines have some physical differences, however. They are designed to be installed in large tractor-trailers that operate as mobile scanning rooms. These trailers are equipped with proper magnetic shielding, operator workstations, and other peripherals for proper operation.

A mobile MRI is also designed to be effective in harsh climates. While the trailer can provide heating and air conditioning, extreme weather conditions make it difficult to achieve a consistent temperature for the unit. Mobile units typically withstand in external conditions of -20°F to 110°F, relying on air-conditioning, heating, and humidification units to maintain proper environmental conditions inside the trailer.

Maintenance of a mobile MRI is a key factor due to the stresses in moving the system in a trailer of torque, vibration, shock, vertical and lateral movement. Because of this, it's necessary to have a more frequent preventative maintenance schedule and quality assurance checks.

Why Buy a Mobile MRI scanner?

There are two "typical" buyers of a mobile MRI machine:

Small hospitals and healthcare facilities whose patient loads don't justify the costs of a fixed unit. These healthcare facilities share the MRI and relocate the unit based on each facilities workload or by a fixed schedule. By sharing the cost, they can each benefit from the improved patient care and revenue associated with the unit.
Many hospitals and medical facilities purchase a mobile MRI to test the viability of a full-time, fixed MRI machine... thereby avoiding a potentially very costly mistake. This eliminates much of the risk of "experimenting" with the feasibility of an MRI.

Additionally, site requirements are less stringent on a mobile MRI. Recent technology advances have allowed mobile MRI units to park closer to patient areas and parking lots. For some offices, installing a fixed MRI may require a large amount of remodeling and construction and become cost-prohibitive.

What is the price cost of a Mobile MRI?

As with a fixed MRI, there are fixed and operating costs of the mobile unit. The fixed costs of purchasing a refurbished mobile MRI machine are easier to determine because all the costs in building a trailer and customizing it to the MRI machine are already taken care of.

However, operating costs of a mobile MRI can be more expensive than that of a fixed unit. In a mobile situation, it typically requires a dedicated team, and there are costs associated with the driver, mileage, truck maintenance, fuel, and other costs not associated with an in-office "fixed" MRI machine.

These operating costs are typically offset and justified because mobile MRI units can cover a wider service as the are moved to multiple sites, generating more revenue than a fixed unit in a single location.

Key Considerations when purchasing a mobile MRI machine

Mobile MRI Disadvantages

More frequent maintenance
Not advantageous for sites that may need emergency scans because it's possible the unit will be at a different location
Transportation costs: Driver's salary, fuel (including generator fuel), mileage, and insurance, which are not associated with a fixed site
Increased downtime for site travel and more frequent maintenance and quality assurance checks
Limited interior space and increased claustrophobia incidents
Extreme summer or winter temperatures may delay or postpone scans due to inoperability of the unit

Portable Mobile MRI Advantages

Shared costs and services between multiple sites
Less travel for patients
Decreased preinstallation costs
Increased revenue and ability to justify the purchase by receiving revenue from multiple clinics or hospitals
Ability to alter locations based on patient volume. Flexible fixed schedule and/or on-demand
Dramatically shorter installation time with fewer logistics issues.
Lower initial investment

If you're considering a mobile MRI machine, or a fixed MRI scanner, our sales experts can help you make the proper decision. Hopefully this helps you with a solid foundation in making this important business decision. Call one of our experts today at 440-414-7539. Looking to sell your mobile MRI? We are buying as well.