A Philips MRI system is known for its image quality and a range of capabilities. However, they can be a bit harder to service than Canon or GE systems.
Fortunately, there are several quick fixes for these problems that we’ve seen time and again. Read on to find out more.
1. Error Messages
When you encounter an error message that stops your scanner from scanning, it can be frustrating. The first thing you should do is check your MRI system message log to see what the problem is. The log updates every 5 seconds, and the most current messages will be shown at the top of the list.
Error messages can indicate that your MRI needs a software update or may be experiencing hardware issues. For example, “Multi-coil TR bias fault” is a common error that indicates the multi-coil port is malfunctioning and needs to be repaired or replaced. This issue can often be resolved by resetting the multi-coil ports, but it can also be fixed by adjusting the coil’s settings in your scan protocol.
Another error message that may occur is “Error in MR-RAGE autoalign,” which can be caused by several things, including if the patient isn’t moving correctly or if you’re not using the correct coil. This can be fixed by ensuring that the correct coil is selected in your scan protocol and adjusting the table-encoder position.
This message means that the MRI is attempting to put more power into a coil than it should, and this typically occurs when you’re trying to use the CMRR multiband sequence. This is usually due to a combination of factors, such as a short RF pulse length or excessive flip angle for the scan protocol in question. The quickest way to fix this is by increasing the RF pulse length in your MRI scan protocol.
A temperature rise can cause your MRI to lock up and prevent it from scanning. To help prevent this from happening, you should regularly inspect the water chiller unit to make sure that it’s running properly. You should also keep a close eye on your maintenance records to ensure that the glycol coolant is always at the proper level.
Another way to prevent temperature-related errors is by upgrading your MRI to the latest dStream technology. GE offers the SmartPath to dStream upgrade, which is a cost-effective way to get the newest technology without installing a new system.
2. Error Codes
The MRI industry is filled with systems and units that use high-grade receivers to capture images along with computers and software to digitize the data. These pieces of equipment come at a price, and they also require regular inspections, maintenance, and repairs to ensure that the device is running smoothly and safely. While many MRI errors are easy to identify and fix, some errors may be more complicated and need the attention of a professional.
If you encounter an MRI error code that indicates “multi-coil TR bias fault” in the system log, this is usually a sign of coil misalignment or improper seating. The best way to resolve this is to visually inspect the coils and ensure that they are properly seated, and then select the correct coil for scan protocol.
Another common MRI error code that needs immediate attention is when the system warns you about incompatible parts of a scan sequence. This could be because the wrong RF coils are selected, sequence parameters aren’t available, or features aren’t enabled. If you see this message, the first thing to do is check that all RF coils are selected in your MRI software and that the prescan normalize setting is at least a little bit larger than the default value.
MRI scanners use a helium-based gas to produce magnetic fields that allow for accurate imaging of patients. When the system alerts you to a low helium level, this means that either someone hasn’t been checking the levels regularly or there’s been a major problem in the air-cooling system and helium is being burned off at an accelerated rate.
This MRI error code is usually related to issues with a specific coil, such as an open in-channel 1 error or an unresponsive multi-coil TR bias fault. This is a serious issue that requires immediate action, so it’s important to read the system log carefully and troubleshoot the problem.
If you see this MRI error code, it’s a good idea to go into the equipment room and locate the PDU cabinet. Press the green Emo reset button and ensure that all MRI subsystems are powered on. Once everything is back up and running, you should be able to see numbers on the top of your gantry display that indicate your table encoder has synced with the doghouse.
3. Error Numbers
There are a variety of error numbers that can appear on your Philips MRI scanner’s screen. These errors indicate that something is wrong with the scanner, and they often require the attention of a professional. These errors can be incredibly frustrating for both patients and medical professionals, but many of them are easily fixed with a little bit of know-how.
Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) uses a powerful magnet, radio waves, and a computer to create detailed images of the body without using radiation. The human body is 80% water, which means it has natural magnetic properties. When you are placed inside the MRI scanner, these magnetic properties allow atoms in the body to line up with the magnetic field, much like the needle of a compass points to the North Pole. Short bursts of radio wave energy are then sent to certain parts of the body, which knocks the atoms out of alignment and sends signals back to the sensor. The signal is then recorded and analyzed by the computer, which produces a black-and-white image of your body’s tissues. In some cases, a dye can be used to highlight specific tissues for further analysis.
MRI can show many types of structures within the body, including the bones, muscles, organs, and brain. It can also measure blood flow and oxygen levels in the body and is used to find tumors or other abnormalities. However, MRI is not suitable for all patients, as it is very noisy and can cause a tingling sensation in the extremities. In addition, MRI cannot be used to visualize pregnant women or children under the age of 12.
An important aspect of MR imaging is the ability to provide high-quality images. To ensure that the MRI scanner performs to its full potential, it must be calibrated regularly. To evaluate the performance of an MRI scanner, researchers use calibration phantoms that are designed to mimic the human anatomy. MRI systems vary in the amount of distortion they produce, so it is essential to evaluate calibration accuracy. Inconsistencies in MR images can lead to inaccurate diagnoses, and some patients are at greater risk of injury from unreliable results. To minimize these inconsistencies, a set of standardized protocols has been distributed digitally through the MRI vendors to standardize scan parameters across the different MRI platforms.
4. Error Codes
MRI systems are a complex piece of medical technology that needs to be kept running at all times. It’s critical to understand the basics of troubleshooting MRI scanners to keep your patients safe and your staff efficient. Here are four MRI service problems that occur time and time again, along with ways to fix them quickly and effectively!
1. Multicoil TR Bias Fault: This message indicates that one or more coils are not seated properly or selected. The solution is to check your scan protocols and ensure that the correct coil is selected for each scan. It is also important to look at the RF coil parameters on your system > Coil parameter card.
2. Helium Level Low: If the MRI scanner is displaying this error message, the helium level has likely dropped below the preset value. This could indicate that there is a leak in the helium cooling system or that you have not been regularly replenishing the helium supply.
3. Auto-Prescan Failed: This error message occurs when the MRI cannot automatically set up the scan sequence to complete its function. This can be due to incompatible RF coils or sequence parameters. Check the RF coils on your system > Coil parameter card and the prescan normalize setting on the resolution > Filter parameter card to make sure that all of the settings are compatible.
4. Patient Comfort Sensor Tripped: If the MRI is showing this error message, it means that the internal temperature of the machine has exceeded 84 degrees Fahrenheit. This can be caused by several factors, such as a high chiller output temperature, an obstruction in the coolant lines, or an issue with your patient blowers. The solution is to call your Philips mri scanner service engineer to inspect the equipment.
If you’re interested in learning more about Philips MRIs, we invite you to get in touch with us at Block Imaging Parts & Service. We offer a variety of MRI parts and repair solutions, including both time and materials service calls and extended maintenance agreements. We can even help you find the right MRI system for your facility, with options that include both open and closed magnets. We can also assist you with locating a zero helium boil-off MRI system, which can save your facility significant money over the long term.