Certified Pre-Owned MRI Systems

Pre-Owned MRI Systems

Explore pre-owned 1.5T and 3T MRI systems from GE, Siemens, and Philips. Fully inspected and backed by NOVO Imaging's global service network.

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Buyer's Guide

Buying a Pre-Owned MRI System: Key Considerations

MRI is the most technically complex modality to procure pre-owned. This guide covers the key factors to evaluate so you make a clinically sound and financially safe procurement decision.

1. Field Strength & Clinical Fit

Match field strength to your diagnostic requirements.

  • 1.5T covers 95%+ of routine clinical applications
  • 3T for advanced neuro, research & spectroscopy
  • Wide-bore options for bariatric & claustrophobic patients

2. Magnet & Helium Status

Cryogenic system health is the primary long-term cost risk.

  • Verify helium level and boil-off rate
  • Review cold head & compressor service history
  • Confirm last helium fill date

3. Gradient & Sequence Performance

Gradient performance affects scan speed, resolution, and advanced protocols.

  • Slew rate (mT/m/ms) and max amplitude
  • EPI, diffusion & cardiac sequence capability
  • Software version and pulse sequence library

4. RF Coil Inventory

Coils represent 30–50% of system replacement value — verify completeness.

  • Head, spine, body & specialty coils
  • Test all RF coil elements before purchase
  • Replacement coil costs from €2K to €40K+

5. Brands We Supply

Trusted MRI manufacturers with proven clinical track records.

  • Siemens Healthineers, GE Healthcare, Philips
  • Hitachi Medical, Canon Medical (Toshiba)
  • 1.5T and 3T systems available

6. Room & Shielding Requirements

MRI requires specialist site preparation before delivery.

  • RF shielding (Faraday cage) and quench pipe
  • Magnetic safety exclusion zone planning
  • Non-ferromagnetic fixtures and fittings

Common Questions

Common Buyer Questions

Answers to the most common questions about pre-owned MRI systems.

What is the practical difference between 1.5T and 3T for a community hospital?
1.5T covers over 95% of routine clinical MRI work — brain, spine, knee, shoulder, abdomen, cardiac — at lower field-related artefact risk and lower operating cost. 3T delivers higher SNR for neurological and research applications but introduces more susceptibility artefact, has higher SAR limits, and generally costs more to purchase and maintain. Most community hospitals are well-served by a high-specification 1.5T system.
How do I assess the helium level and magnet stability?
Request the magnet's helium level log and boil-off rate history from the service records. A healthy superconducting magnet maintains a stable helium level with a low boil-off rate. NOVO Imaging verifies helium level during inspection and can arrange a magnet stability test (field homogeneity measurement) before purchase.
What are the shielding and room requirements for MRI?
MRI rooms require RF shielding (Faraday cage, typically copper mesh) to prevent RF interference. They also require a defined magnetic safety exclusion zone, non-ferromagnetic fixtures and fittings, and quench pipe routing to the outside. Specific requirements depend on field strength and magnet geometry. NOVO Imaging can provide room planning documentation.
How important is the coil inventory, and what does it cost to replace coils?
Coil inventory is critical. A complete coil set on a 1.5T system typically includes 8–15 coils covering all body regions. OEM coil replacement costs range from €2,000 (surface coils) to €40,000+ (phased-array cardiac or breast coils). Always confirm the coil list and test coil channels before purchase.
Can NOVO Imaging help source an open MRI for claustrophobic patients?
Yes. NOVO Imaging supplies vertical-field open MRI systems (Hitachi Oasis, Esaote G-scan and others) that allow patients to sit or stand, significantly reducing scan anxiety and patient dropout. Open systems operate at lower field strength (0.2T–1.0T) and are suitable for MSK, spine, and basic body applications.
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