MRI Coil Cost Price Guide

Has your MRI coil failed and do you need to replace it?

Are you looking to expand your scanning capabilities by adding a different coil type?

In either situation, you could be facing a significant, often unexpected, cost. But don't worry! Our team can help you get the process started with some basic budget building and see you through your project with coils from all the major manufacturers in our in-house parts inventory.

The price of an MRI Coil can be between 120k for a high-end breast biopsy coil and 12k for a mid-range wrist coil with some variation between new and used.

Before diving into the specifics of MRI coil selection, it's crucial to understand the various aspects that can impact your decision.

This guide will explore these considerations in detail, providing insights into the different types of MRI coils, their costs and capabilities, the relationship between channels and image quality, and the potential savings of choosing refurbished coils over new ones.

• Things to consider when purchasing an MRI coil.
• What are the different MRI coils and their cost/capability?
• How channels relate to image quality.
• How much can I save going with refurbished instead of new?

Things to consider when Purchasing an
MRI coil

1. Compatibility with your machine

   It is crucial that you make sure the coil you purchase is compatible with your MRI Machine, this ensures accurate results, quality imaging, and will avoid and extra technical issues.

   Purchasing a coil either new or refurbished from the same OEM as your MRI machine is always a safe bet. Ensure that the coil will properly connect and operate with your specific MRI system when you speak with a customer service representative or sales member.  
   
   

2. The number of channels you’re looking for (higher channels better image quality higher price)

   Coils with more channels, such as those with 16-32 channels, are more expensive, with prices ranging between $40,000 and $120,000. However, they offer superior image quality, capturing clearer and more detailed images crucial for accurate diagnoses.

   On the other hand, coils with fewer channels, like the 4-8 channel variants, are less costly, priced between $12,000 and $80,000, but produce images with lesser detail.

   Customers need to balance their budget with their requirements for image quality and patient throughput to meet their department's needs effectively.

   Opting for a higher number of channels might involve a higher initial investment but can provide better diagnostic capabilities and efficiency, aligning with the ideals of departments prioritizing high-quality patient care.

   
   

3. Enhancing patience experience and efficiency

   When buying an MRI coil, think about how comfy it makes your patients and how quickly it can get the job done. A cozy coil means patients can relax more during their scan.

   This is super important because when patients are calm and still, the pictures turn out clearer and the whole process is faster. And speaking of quick, look for coils that are made to do scans fast without messing up the image quality. Fast scans are a win-win: patients spend less time in the machine, and you can see more patients in a day.

   So, comfort and speed are big deals when picking out an MRI coil. It's all about making the experience better for your patients and more efficient for you.

What are the different MRI Coils and what are their capabilities & Costs?

• Head Coils: Designed for brain imaging.

• Spine Coils: Used for detailed spinal scans.

• Body Coils: General purpose, for torso and large area imaging.

• Extremity Coils: For arms, legs, hands, and feet.

• Breast Coils: Specifically for breast imaging.

• Cardiac Coils: Optimized for heart imaging.

• Surface Coils: Placed close to the body part being imaged for detailed shots.
  
  

The most expensive coils fall in the 16 to 32-channel category. New MRI coils in this category cost between $40,000 (ex: wrist coil) and $120,000 (ex: breast biopsy coil) depending on their size and application.

Refurbished 16 to 32-channel coils are becoming increasingly available on the secondary market. Because of this increased availability, prices have come down in recent years and they're well worth looking into.

Most of the less expensive coils fall in the 4 to 8-channel category. Buying them new will cost anywhere from $12,000 (ex: wrist coil) to $80,000 (ex: neurovascular coil). Unlike 16 to 32-channel coils, refurbished 4 and 8-channel coils are plentiful on the secondary market.

How channels relate to image quality

MRI coils with 16-32 channels provide better image quality than those with 4 to 8 channels because they can pick up more detailed signals from the body. This makes them especially useful for looking at complex parts of the body and specific medical tests.

Even though the 16-32 channel coils are more expensive, costing between $40,000 to $120,000 new compared to $12,000 to $80,000 for 4 to 8-channel coils, the improvement in image quality is something to consider when pricing out an MRI coil and the functions/capabilities you are looking for with your facility.

How much can I save going with refurbished instead of new?

A used parts vendor can save you an average of 40% or 50% off the price of a new coil when you purchase a refurbished coil outright, or even more, if you have a coil to exchange!

This percentage mostly affects the 16-32 channel coils whereas the 4-8 channel refurbished coils will only cost an average of $8,000 to $25,000 outright, or $3,000 to $5,000 with an exchange.

Final Thoughts

Selecting an MRI coil requires thoughtful consideration of several crucial aspects to ensure that your choice aligns well with your facility's requirements, financial plan, and patient care objectives.

Whether you're replacing a malfunctioning coil or looking to broaden your scanning capabilities, it's vital to grasp how the number of channels influences both image quality and expense. Here's a concise guide to assist in your decision-making process:

• Ensure Compatibility: Make sure the coil fits your MRI system perfectly, allowing for smooth operation and the best possible performance.
  
  
• Balancing Channel Count and Image Quality: Decide the appropriate number of channels you need, keeping in mind that a higher channel count typically yields better imagery but comes with increased costs.
  
  
• Choosing Between New and Refurbished: Opting for refurbished coils can lead to substantial savings, especially for models with a high number of channels, without sacrificing quality.
  
  
• Enhancing Patient Comfort: Opt for coils that are designed for patient comfort and can help shorten scan times, leading to a better patient experience.
  
  
• Considering Budget and Operational Efficiency: Find a balance between your financial constraints and the necessity for superior imaging quality and swift patient processing.

With these considerations in mind, you'll be in a good position to select the most suitable MRI coil for your healthcare facility.

Investing wisely in the appropriate coil can lead to long-term savings and improved diagnostic capabilities. Should you need tailored advice in selecting the right coils, our customer support team is ready to provide you with a customized consultation!