5.8 MAGNETIC RESONANCE IMAGING (MRI)
5.8.1 DESCRIPTION
MRI is a diagnostic imaging technique that uses a very strong magnetic field.
The magnetic field is produced by a high-strength magnet cooled to a very low
temperature (about 4 degrees Kelvin).
5.8.2 DESIGN
5.8.2.1 The magnetic field is subject to distortion by ferrous materials
within its critical area, both fixed items of construction and moving items
such as carts and elevators. Since such distortions reduce the quality of the
desired image, limiting them is a major consideration of MRI unit design.
The magnetic field may also affect computerized equipment and devices such as
pacemakers within its critical area, so control of this area is a major
design consideration.
5.8.2.2 The space that houses the magnet, patient table, and related
equipment is called the gantry room. The gantry room requires radio-frequency
shielding, and may require special magnetic shielding, usually of steel
sheets. All equipment in the room should be made of non-magnetic material.
Ductwork, plumbing, and electrical items must also be non-magnetic within
certain distances, depending on the MRI unit to be installed.
5.8.2.3 The magnetic field extends in three dimensions; thus proper sitting
of an MRI unit is of critical importance, and larger units are often best
accommodated in new space at ground level.
5.8.2.4 For details of space, design, construction, and equipment, see Space
Planning Criteria, Chapter 275, "Magnetic Resource Imaging", and the
Equipment Guide List. For a comprehensive functional narrative, functional
diagrams, and guide plates, see Design Guide "Magnetic Resonance Imaging" (in
the "Imaging" series).
5.9 PHARMACY
5.9.1 MAJOR DESIGN ISSUES
Pharmacy design must reconcile the need for security with the functional need
to distribute medications throughout the facility. Ideally, this leads to a
layout focused on a dedicated dumbwaiter or other secure transport system.
See Space Planning Criteria, Chapter 268, "Pharmacy Service", for a diagram
of such a system, as well as space, design considerations, and relationship
diagrams and matrices. See Design Guides "Pharmacy" (in the "Clinical"
series) and "Outpatient Pharmacy" (in the "Primer" series) for narratives of
pharmacy operations, functional diagrams, and guide plates.
5.9.2 SECURITY
Both inpatient and outpatient pharmacies require special features for
security, including vaults for controlled substances. See Design and
Construction Procedures, Chapter 14, "Security", for vault construction and
other security requirements, including "bullet-proof" outpatient dispensing
(service) windows. Also, see Architectural Standard Detail 11022-1.dwf for
service window and package transfer box.
ARCHITECTURAL DESIGN MANUAL
5-4
SPECIAL FUNCTIONS
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