MRI installation almost complete

January 31, 2012

Panhandle Radiology Imaging Center in Guymon is a giant step closer in completing installation for the facility’s new MRI machine.
The 8,000 pound, Siemens Harmony 1.0 Tesla MRI was delivered by Live Well Imaging - Medical Equipment Sales, Serve and Repair from Waxahachie, Texas, last December. Since it’s arrival, a team from the Texas company has been working hard to completely install the massive machine, the most recent addition, installing a UN 1963 helium gas tank.
According to Sr. Engineer/Project Manager J. R. Sanchez, helium is mandatory for the MRI machine to function. When in operation, components of the MRI heats to high temperatures rapidly and at approximately -242 degrees, the helium ensures the unit stays cool to prevent damage to the machine.
Sanchez went onto say, helium is not locally available, must be delivered from elsewhere and is waiting for a shipment. Sanchez also reported, the helium will only need to be refilled every six months or so.
Sanchez said, “Christmas delayed us a bit, but if everything goes as planned, we should be fixed up and going next week.”