Magnetic
Survey & Vibration Measurements at a MR Site
An extensive environmental study of
a prospective site is performed before installation of
an MRI (magnetic resonance imaging) machine in a
hospital, clinic, or other facility in US.This is a procedure for measuring all magnetic
disturbances or stray electromagnetic fields and
mechanical vibrations that might be present. The
disturbances can be generated by any number of different
sources, such as cars, trucks, trains, or any similar
“chunk” of metal or iron, either stationary or
moving in the vicinity.
These types of large metal objects
can produce a magnetic field disturbance with an
intensity that depends on its distance from the site
where the MRI machine will be installed. Even small
fields, as little as 500 nT (nano tesla), are considered
large magnetic disturbances because they interact with
the magnetic fields generated by the MRI for imaging and
manifest in either AC or DC interference or a
combination. Another AC magnetic disturbance comes from
AC fields generated by high-power transformers, utility
lines, or a variety of machines or devices running large
amounts of AC current.
In addition to magnetic field
disturbances, mechanical vibrations in both the vertical
and horizontal directions are also measured. In order
for the site to be approved, the floor must be perfectly
steady, no extraneous vibrations are allowed.Vibration disturbances may come from machinery
nearby that could conduct vibrations through the floor,
such as those that receive power from utility lines to
drive motors and move machine components, as well as air
conditioning units, fans, and similar equipment.
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