Mastering the Art of Buying a Pre-owned MRI Machine in Ontario

An MRI machine is one of the biggest investments any healthcare facility will ever make. Purchasing a used or
refurbished MRI machine in Ontario may be an alternative solution where medical imaging technology has played
a very significant role in patient care. The process can be overwhelming, especially when considering
technical specifications, regulatory requirements, and long-term implications associated with your purchase.

This buyer’s guide is designed to walk you through the maze of purchasing a used MRI machine in Ontario. No
matter what the size of your practice is, this process will enable a major decision for the well-being of and
for your patients.

Why Buy A Used MRI Machine?

First, let’s look at the “why.” The financial aspect is usually the most
compelling reason for getting a used MRI machine. The cost of new machines is exorbitant and can reach
millions. Such a level of investment is just robotic in many facilities, especially where other areas in the
facilities are also critical and need a lot of funding.

That’s where MRI machines are used. You will save a lot on capital expenditure when buying a second-hand
unit. Anyway, that’s not all; there are some other reasons this route might be suitable for your facility:

• Proven Track Record: An MRI with a fair service history in maintenance
  shall have recorded its operational reliability in clinical settings. This gives one peace of mind that
  the unit is already proven.
• Quick Availability: Nowadays, when there are supply chain issues, the
  procurement time for a new machine can be long. In general, used machines become available much faster,
  so you will be in a position to upgrade the services offered to the patients at your earliest convenience
  without any delay.
• Flexibility: With less upfront cost, now you can afford to put the money
  into further upgrades, training staff, or any other vital part of your practice.

Considerations Beyond Price

The purchase of a used MRI demands that several careful considerations beyond the price be made. Here is what
you must consider:

Machine Specs: Understand them.

• Machine magnetic field strength: This actually is an important
  consideration. Generally, you will find MRI machines available in 1.5T and 3T, with the former offering
  high-resolution images but at a higher cost. You will opt for that which best suits the kind of
  diagnostic imaging you do frequently.
• Gradient Performance and Speed: These determine image quality as well as
  scan time. Check whether the machine being offered meets your clinical needs.
• Coil Availability: This will be based on the kind of scan service you will
  need and the type of images to be taken. These have to be compatible with the MRI machine in question.
  Check whether all the necessary coils are available or if it requires a separate purchase.

Vendor Repute and Support

• Renowned Sellers: The machine should never be purchased from a Concerned
  Seller in medical imaging. They should not only sell you the machine but also provide you with service
  history and certification documentation exhaustively.
• Support after Sales: Even the best of machines will require servicing and
  repair at some point in time. One has to ensure that the vendor will have full support services ranging
  from warranty through to accessible parts inventory and maintenance contracts.

Compliance and Regulatory Standards

• Health Canada Compliance: Similar to any other medical device, including
  a used MRI machine, this machine should meet and, most importantly, be standard with Health Canada.
  Ensure the machine you would buy also from this vendor has its certification and abides by all the other
  imperative regulations.
• Provincial Requirements:This Call for Applications has been issued by the Director of ICHSCs under section 5 of the Integrated Community Health Services Centres Act, 2023, ICHSCA, to consider the issuance of new ICHSC licences in accordance with the criteria set out in section 6 of the ICHSCA to provide insured MRI scans and CT scans in community-based settings in Ontario.

Installation and Site Preparation

• Physical Space Requirements: MRI machines are large and require specific
  site preparation, including shielding to protect from the magnetic fields. Evaluate your site’s space to
  ensure there will be no great modifications needed for this machine.
• Evaluation of Power Circuits and Cooling: This diagnostic equipment has
  high power and cooling requirements. Thus, make sure that, before you buy, your facility can precisely
  handle those demands.

The Process: Step-by-Step

The procurement of used MRI is expected to undergo a variety of different steps. These steps are each very
critical for the successful acquisition to be undertaken. A few of the steps involved in purchasing a used
MRI machine include:

Define Your Needs:

Define your needs for an MRI machine. Think about the kind of scans you are likely to do most of the time and
the volume of patients you have, as well as your long-range goals.

Research and Vendor Selection:

Look for suppliers who specialize in selling used MRI machines. Read the reviews, request references, contact
the references, and confirm experience and reputation. One example is Technomed, known in Ontario for
quality pre-owned medical equipment properly backed by complete post-sales services.

Inspection and Due Diligence:

Inspect the machine with the seller intending to appraise the service history of the said machine, personally
inspect the machine parts, and test how it works. Call in a third-party observer if you need to.

If satisfied with the physical condition of the machine, discuss the equipment’s terms of sale. What is
included in the quoted price? This way, there would be no surprises on other incidental charges for
installation, coils, or service contracts.

Installation and Training:

Installation professionals are required immediately after the purchase. In this regard, the seller must
dispatch its technicians to facilitate the installation. The technicians are also to train your employees on
equipment operation.

Why Technomed?

The correct choice of a partner is very important in the selection of a diagnostic MRI system. We work across
Ontario with healthcare providers to find exactly the right imaging solution to meet your needs. Here’s what
distinguishes us:

• Deep Expertise: We know the technical and operational problems you’re
  dealing with inside out and have years of experience in the medical imaging industry.
• Quality assurance: The testing of each used MRI machine that we sell is
  meant to ensure the highest set of performance and safety standards.
• End-to-end support: From consultation through to post-installation
  support, our experienced team will work with you to provide the proper services to a successful outcome.