Department Of Veterans Affairs
VA Handbook 7610 (275)
Washington, D.C. 20402
June 2006
1. PURPOSE AND SCOPE
A. This document outlines space planning criteria for VA Handbook 7610 Chapter 275:
Magnetic Resonance Imaging. It applies to all medical facilities at the Department of
Veterans Affairs (VA).
2. DEFINITIONS
A. Concept of Operations: A user-developed guide to the functional operation of the VA
healthcare facility. It defines the function of the facility and the scope of medical
services to be provided in the new or remodeled space.
B. Diagnostic Room: Designated room containing diagnostic equipment performing
patient procedures such as MRI. It may also be referred to as Scanning Room,
Procedure Room, or Gantry.
C. Functional Area: The grouping of rooms and spaces based on their function within a
clinical service. Typical Functional Areas are Reception Areas, Patient Areas, Support
Areas, Staff and Administrative Areas, and Residency Program.
D. Input Data Statement(s): A set of questions designed to elicit information about the
healthcare project in order to create a Program for Design (PFD) based on the criteria
parameters set forth in this document. Input Data Statements could be Mission
related, based in the project's Concept of Operations; and Workload or Staffing
related, based on projections and data provided by the VHA or the VISN about the
estimated model of operation. This information is processed through mathematical
and logical operations in VA-SEPS.
E. Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI): The technique utilizing magnetic and radio
frequency fields to produce computer calculated images of human anatomy (body
tissue) and monitor body chemistry. While immersed in a magnetic field, the portion
of the body to be scanned is exposed to energy in the radio frequency range. When
the radio frequency is stopped, the nuclei return to a normal state. The effects of this
exposure on atomic nuclei position are read by the computerized system and
converted into images. MRI reflects tissue density and body chemistry.
F. Net-to-department gross factor (NTDG): A factor that when multiplied by the
programmed Net Square Foot (NSF) area, determines the Departmental Gross
Square Feet (DGSF). The NTDG factor adopted for MRI is 1.60.
G. Picture Archiving and Communication System (PACS): The digital capture, transfer
and storage of diagnostic images. A PACS system consists of workstations for
interpretation, image/data producing modalities, a web server for distribution, printers
for file records, image servers for information transfer and holding, and an archive of
off-line information. A computer network is needed to support each of these devices.
H. Procedure / Suite Stop: A procedure / suite stop is one encounter of a patient with a
healthcare provider. Per these criteria, the procedure / suite stop is the workload unit
Magnetic Resonance Imaging (Chapter 275): Page 2 of 14
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