FINAL DRAFT 9/28/95
Magnetic Resonance Imaging
Narrative
Although specialized facilities are required,
Good planning and design appeal to the
generic guidelines should be applied to
spirit and sensibilities of patients and
accommodate a wide range of MRI
care providers alike.
technology to maximize equipment
selection options.
Magnetic Resonance Imaging facilities
should be healing environments that
2. Efficiency
allow the building itself to become a part
of the therapy.
The technical
Economies of shared functions, facilities,
requirements should be addressed in an
and staff are increasingly facilitated by MRI
integrated manner to support these
systems. "Self shielded" magnets allow MRI
concepts.
technology to be located near operations
which are sensitive to magnetic fields and
Patient privacy is to be accommodated
near fixed and moving metallic objects
without sacrificing facility utilization.
such as building structure, elevators and
vehicular traffic.
Security is addressed by planning,
design, and detail considerations.
3. Human Factors
Handicapped access is accommodated
Patient dignity and self-determination are
by the application of UFAS and ADA
accommodated
while
considering
design standards to space and fixed
operational efficiencies.
equipment layouts.
4. Technical and Environmental
Patient's vulnerability to stress from
noise, lack of privacy, poor lighting and
other causes can have harmful effects on
MRI shielding considerations include
the healing process. This is a well known
control of magnetic fields and the isolation
and documented phenomenon.
from external radio frequency interference.
An inherent opportunity exists in the
Magnetic Shielding and Magnetic Field
design of Magnetic Resonance Imaging
siting considerations will vary with magnetic
Facilities to address these issues and put
field strength and with the features of the
forth creative solutions that enhance
equipment and manufacturer selected.
patient comfort and contribute to positive
outcomes.
The environment effects on field
homogeneity and the effects of Magnetic
A prime objective should be to
Field on other technologies and surrounding
de-emphasize the institutional image of
must be considered.
traditional health care facilities and to
surround the patient (and family
Employment of a registered health physicist
members) with architectural finishes and
should be undertaken when the program is
furnishings that are familiar and
put together, as his/her recommendations
non-threatening.
will determine shielding of equipment,
thickness of walls, etc.
VA DESIGN GUIDE
MAGNETIC RESONANCE IMAGING
PAGE 2-3
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