MR Equipment and Safety Flashcards
What do we see in MRI images?
A proton is the nucleus of hydrogen atom (1H)
Each water molecule has 2 hydrogens and 1 oxygen
Hydrogen is the most common element in the body (~60%)
What is the MR signal from protons due to?
spin
What is the heart of MR system?
The magnet
What is a measure of field strength?
Gauss (G)
e.g. 1 tesla equals to 10,000 gauss
What is the Earth’s magnetic field?
Approximately 0.05T
What are the principal types of magnet used in MRI?
- Superconducting magnet [1.5 or 3T]
- Permanent magnet [0.3T]
- Electromagnet [0.6T]
Where does the main field usually point?
Horizontally along the bore
What is the magnetic field always present for?
- Superconducting magnet
2. Permanent magnet
What does superconducting magnets require?
Liquid helium as cryogenic cooling fluid
What does a sudden loss of super-conductivity result in?
A magnet quench where the windings heat up, the field collapses in less than one minute and large amounts of helium boil ass gas
What is Radiofrequency coil generated by?
Transmitter coil which surrounds whole or part of body
What is detected using a receiver coil?
MR signals produced in the body
What are MR signal?
Very weak and are sensitive to electrical interference
What is the localization of MR signal in body achieved by?
Generating short-term variations in magnetic field across patients
Where are the gradient coils for each direction x,y,z built into?
Bore of magnet
How are the gradients applied?
Carefully controlled pulse sequences