Expanding? Remodeling? Moving? Whether down the hall or to another state, relocating an MRI machine is a big project that requires careful planning and consideration.
A project of this size has many moving pieces, each of which will affect the overall cost you'll pay to relocate your system. But, how much exactly will you pay to move your MRI machine?
Below, we'll discuss the top three things to keep in mind when relocating your MRI machine. From logistics to technical requirements, we'll cover the most important facts that will determine the final price tag of your MRI machine relocation.
Relocating Your MRI Machine: The Variables
The variables in an MRI relocation fall into three main categories: de-installation, transportation, and re-installation.
De-installation
First things first, you'll want to work with your chosen de-installation partner to create a checklist.
A de-installation checklist for an MRI machine can include -
- Building layout/exit path
- Cable run locations,
- Chiller plumbing locations.
The more complicated any of these are, the more time and effort it will take to get your system out of its existing home. Which, you guessed it, will increase your overall cost to relocate.
In some cases, like a facility with narrow doors or a magnet located on a level other than the ground, it might be necessary to remove a wall, open a roof, or rig the magnet up with a crane.
Please make certain you share these details and send photos of the exit path to any provider you're considering to eliminate surprises that will cause delays or introduce additional costs.
Another necessity for most MRI de-installations is a power supply to ramp the magnet down safely from its operating field. These power supplies are extremely expensive to purchase, so the fees charged to deploy them are relatively high as well.
The fee charged by a given provider will typically vary between six and twelve thousand dollars.
Transportation
Transportation costs are probably the most straightforward to calculate. Primarily, this part of the project focuses on determining how far the magnet will need to move.
The greater the distance the system needs to travel, the higher the cost will be in terms of fuel, driver hours, packaging, and even the type of vehicle required for the move.
Re-installation
Re-installation of your MRI machine is kind of like de-installation in reverse. The same checklist items for a de-install may apply for a re-install.
If the MRI machine's new home is on a second story or a building with narrow halls, cranes and big openings in walls or ceilings may again be necessary.
If there has never been an MRI in the building before, connecting and running cables, connecting to power, and plumbing the chiller may require more time and effort. The power supplies we mentioned earlier will need to be brought back out to ramp the magnet back up to the field, and a number of hours will be expended shimming the magnet field to specified parameters.
Additionally, depending on the helium level of the magnet at the time of re-installation, it may be necessary to order a helium refill to keep things cool.
In the case of a new construction or a building receiving an MRI for the first time, It's imperative that the room be fully prepared for the system before its arrival.
Delays to installation could result in extra hours or extra trips that will drive your cost up.
How Much Will Relocating an MRI Machine Cost?
The cost to relocate an MRI machine falls in a broad range between $60,000 and $100,000.
The best way to find out what your specific system will cost to relocate is to contact your prospective relocation services provider. Be sure to provide details about your project including distance, timing, and a general floor plan of both the current location and the destination.
The more information you can provide, the more accurate the provider will be able to be in quoting you.
The Takeaway
Relocating your MRI machine will require strategic planning, and budgeting. Set your relocation project up for success by creating a detailed plan from start to finish with the help of a trusted relocation services provider.
The Block Imaging project team is equipped and ready to help with your next MRI project! With hundreds of equipment relocations under our belt, we know what it takes to complete your project successfully. Contact our project team today to talk through your project, and receive a quote for relocation, and installation.
Gary Strpko: December 17, 2024
