100% found this document useful (1 vote)

216 views79 pages

3T MRI Systems, Issue 2. Comparative Report On Five MRI Systems.

Uploaded by

Francis Manno

We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.

Available Formats

Download as PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd

100% found this document useful (1 vote)

216 views79 pages

3T MRI Systems, Issue 2. Comparative Report On Five MRI Systems.

Uploaded by

Francis Manno

We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.

Available Formats

Download as PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd

You are on page 1/ 79

See discussions, stats, and author profiles for this publication at: https://www.researchgate.

net/publication/350054257

3T MRI systems, issue 2. Comparative report of ﬁve MRI systems.

Technical Report · August 2005

DOI: 10.13140/RG.2.2.32276.63368

CITATIONS READS

0 340

4 authors, including:

Caroline Renaud Ioannis Delakis

Imperial College Healthcare NHS Trust UNSW Sydney
32 PUBLICATIONS 53 CITATIONS 62 PUBLICATIONS 185 CITATIONS

SEE PROFILE SEE PROFILE

All content following this page was uploaded by Ioannis Delakis on 14 March 2021.

The user has requested enhancement of the downloaded file.

MHRA
MHRAlogo
logo

August 2005
αβχ

MHRA
MHRAlogo
logo

αβχ

Report 05048
3T MRI systems

Issue 2

Department of Health
logo

best choice
DH log o
best practice
Visit www.mhra.gov.uk to download publications
Department of Health
logo
About evaluation reports
The Device Evaluation Service (DES) provides independent and objective
evaluations of medical devices available on the UK market. Specialist centres,
mainly in NHS Trusts, do the evaluations under contract to the Medicines and
Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA). Results are available on the
MHRA website (www.mhra.gov.uk). Our evaluations are usually of products
supplied by the manufacturer. We expect these products to be representative
of those on the market but cannot guarantee this. Prospective purchasers
should satisfy themselves about any modifications that might have been made
after our evaluation.

In November 2004, the Healthcare Industries Task Force (HITF)

(www.advisorybodies.doh.gov.uk/hitf/hitf_final_report_nov2004.pdf)
recommended that DES be developed and moved to the NHS Purchasing and
Supply Agency (PASA). We are currently undergoing a business redesign as
we move to PASA and will continue to provide high quality evaluations during
and after this move.

How to obtain device evaluation publications

To order evaluation reports or to sign up for our e-mail alert service contact:

Device Evaluation Service

Room 1207
Hannibal House
Elephant & Castle
London
SE1 6TQ

Tel: 020 7972 8181

Fax: 020 7972 8105
E-mail: [email protected]

All evaluation reports published after 2002 are available in full colour to
download from the website:

www.mhra.gov.uk and nww.medical-devices.nhs.uk (NHSnet users only).

Visit www.mhra.gov.uk for a comprehensive list of publications, details of

forthcoming evaluations, services and contacts.

best choice • best practice

3T MRI systems
Issue 2

Comparative report of five MRI

systems

David Price,
Caroline Renaud, Ioannis Delakis, James Williams

MagNET

Director: Richard I. Kitney OBE

Department of Bioengineering
Imperial College London
Exhibition Road
London
SW7 2AZ

T: 020 7594 6305

E: [email protected]
www.magnet-mri.org

© Crown Copyright 2004

Apart from any fair dealing for the purposes of research or private study, or criticism, or review,
as permitted under the Copyright, Designs & Patents Act, 1988, this publication may only be
reproduced, stored or transmitted in any form or by any means with the prior permission, in
writing, of the Controller of Her Majesty's Stationery Office (HMSO).

Information on reproduction outside these terms can be found on the HMSO website
(www.hmso.gov.uk) or email: [email protected].

The MHRA is an executive agency of the Department of Health

Contents

Summary ....................................................................... 1
Purpose of this report ............................................... 1
Comparative specifications....................................... 1
Technical evaluation................................................. 1
Introduction................................................................... 2
Structure................................................................... 2
Evaluated systems ................................................... 3
Comparative specifications ......................................... 4
Magnet system ......................................................... 4
RF system ................................................................ 7
Gradient system ....................................................... 8
Sequence information............................................... 9
Computer system ................................................... 18
Radio-frequency (RF) coils..................................... 20
Technical evaluation................................................... 29
Introduction to evaluation ....................................... 29
Quadrature head coil evaluation............................. 30
In-built body coil evaluation .................................... 44
Multi-channel head coil evaluation.......................... 48
Multi-channel body coil evaluation.......................... 52
2D and 3D imaging speed ...................................... 55
Acoustic noise ........................................................ 59
List of safety information......................................... 61
Acknowledgements .................................................... 63
References .................................................................. 64
Appendix ..................................................................... 65
Manufacturers’ comments ...................................... 65
2D imaging speed: sequence parameters .............. 66
3D imaging speed: sequence parameters .............. 68
Report 05048: 3.0 T MRI systems - issue 2

2D and 3D imaging speed results........................... 71

Background information.......................................... 73
Contact details........................................................ 74
Summary

Purpose of this report

In May 2003 the United Kingdom Government announced a £90 million fund to
replace all Computed Tomography (CT) and Magnetic Resonance Imaging
(MRI) scanners installed before 1997 as part of the UK National Health Service
Cancer Plan.

MagNET has produced a series of comparison reports to aid the selection of

MRI equipment in this program. Although most hospitals are purchasing 1.5
tesla (T) MRI systems there is a growing market for 3T systems as they provide
an increased signal-to-noise ratio, better spatial resolution and an improved
temporal resolution. This report provides comparative specifications and
technical evaluation of 3T systems.

Comparative specifications
The comparative specification is presented as a side-by-side summary
comparison of the specifications of each scanner and related equipment. It is
grouped into a series of sub-sections relating to different aspects of the
scanner, such as magnet, gradients, coils etc. Manufacturers supplied the
specification data in response to a template issued by MagNET. The data have
not been verified by MagNET.

Technical evaluation
The technical evaluation section presents a detailed analysis of the head and
body coils available from each manufacturer. Parameters such as signal-to-
noise ratio, uniformity, resolution are included in the evaluation. Furthermore
dedicated sections on parallel imaging and acoustic noise have also been
incorporated. The data are published after consultation with manufacturers.
Their comments are included in the appendix.
Report 05048: 3.0 T MRI systems - issue 2

1
Introduction

This report combines system specification, safety and technical evaluation

results to provide a comprehensive comparison of 3T MR systems available on
the UK market. This report replaces the previous issue (MHRA 03025) which
only contained comparative specification data. There are other factors, outside
the scope of this report, which should be taken into account in purchasing
decisions. For information on capital and operating costs, maintenance, safety
and peripheral equipment please contact MagNET.

The aim of the technical assessment is to obtain type-test measurements of

imaging performance of MR systems. Type-testing is the evaluation of one
machine, confirmed by the manufacturer as operating to specification that is
taken to be representative of that model. The measurements enable a
comparison of different type-tested MRI systems. The technical evaluation is
normally carried out at a factory site with the full cooperation of the
manufacturer. In special circumstances, where resources are available, the
evaluation can be carried out at a clinical site. The results are consequently of a
scientific nature and are intended as a guide to image performance.

MagNET comment

This report does not attempt to explain MRI. Readers who are unfamiliar with
this modality may have difficulty understanding the results presented in this
report. In this case, advice should be sought from a suitably qualified MRI
specialist.

Structure
The main body of the report is divided into two sections, the first presents
system specifications, system information and safety evaluation, and the
second gives technical evaluation results. The results contained in this report
are published after consultation with the manufacturer. Their comments are
included in the Appendix.

Additional information is obtainable at the MagNET website:

www.magnet-mri.org.
Report 05048: 3.0 T MRI systems - issue 2

2
Evaluated systems
This report presents system specification and technical evaluation data of the
MR systems listed below and shown in Figure 1.

Table 1. 3T MRI systems

Company GE Philips Siemens Siemens Siemens
Trio, A Tim
Model HD Achieva Allegra Trio
system
Twinspeed Quasar
Gradient system Allegra Sonata TQ engine
HD Dual

Figure 1. Evaluated 3.0T systems

GE HD Philips Achieva 3T

Siemens MAGNETOM Allegra Siemens MAGNETOM Trio

Report 05048: 3.0 T MRI systems - issue 2

Siemens MAGNETOM Trio, A Tim system

3
Comparative specifications

Specification data were correct at the time of going to press (subsequent

updates or newer versions from the manufacturers are not accounted for).
Specification data were supplied by the manufacturers in response to a
template issued by MagNET. The data provided have not been verified by
MagNET. An entry of “Not supplied” in the tables indicates that the
manufacturer(s) did not supply MagNET with the required information in time for
publication of this report

Magnet system
Table 2. Magnet specification
Siemens
GE Philips Siemens Siemens
Trio,A Tim
HD Achieva Allegra Trio
system
RF frequency
127.7 127.7 123.2 123.2 123.2
MHz
Shielding Active Active Active Active Active
Homogeneity
(V-RMS)
0.35 0.6 N/A 0.1 0.1
40 cm DSV
ppm
Number of
measurement 12 12 18 24 24
planes
Number of
points per 12 12 24 20 20
plane
Field stability
<0.1 <0.1 <0.1 <0.1 <0.1
ppm/hr
Cooling
Liquid helium Liquid helium Liquid helium Liquid helium Liquid helium
system
Boil-off rate
<0.03 0.15 <0.1 <0.12 <0.12
l/hr
Report 05048: 3.0 T MRI systems - issue 2

Helium refill ~4 years ~1 year 7 months ~9 months ~9 months

4
Comparative specifications

Table 3. Magnet shimming details

GE Philips Siemens Siemens Siemens
HD Achieva Allegra Trio Trio, A Tim
system
Passive on Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes
installation
Number of 36 trays 36 rails 24 trays, 17 16 trays, 15 16 trays, 15
shim plates pockets per pockets per pockets per
tray tray tray
Active with Yes 3D Yes Yes 3D Yes 3D Yes 3D
patient in autoshim autoshim autoshim autoshim
position
Number of 3 linear 3 first order, 3 linear 3 linear 3 linear
independent terms with 5 second terms via terms via terms via
channels gradient order gradient gradient gradient
offsets, 5 offsets, offsets, offsets with
second order Additional 5 Additional 5 20 coils,
and 14 second order second order Additional 5
higher order terms terms non linear
terms second order
terms with 32
coils*
* Can be used for patient-specific shimming

Table 4. Patient comfort details

GE Philips Siemens Siemens Siemens
HD Achieva Allegra Trio Trio, A Tim
system
Patient aperture at narrowest:
Width cm 60 60 35 60 60
Length cm 105 60 78 150 142
Height (couch to pole) 46.5 42 35 40 45.5
cm
Patient aperture at maximum:
Report 05048: 3.0 T MRI systems - issue 2

Width cm 106 110 60 120 Not supplied

Height cm 69.5 60 60 80 Not supplied
Length (with covers) 201 167 142 225 213
cm
Patient couch:
Min height cm 68.58 52 46 45 57
Max height cm 96.52 89 80 100 100
Table top width cm 40 53 55 54 54
Body mass limit kg (full 159 150* 200 200 200
movement)
* 250 kg with no vertical movement

5
Comparative specifications

Table 5. Magnet installation details

GE Philips Siemens Siemens Siemens
HD Achieva Allegra Trio Trio, A Tim
system
Mass: magnet and 9.5 5.5 4.0 10.0 10.0
He only t
Mass: assembly t 12.0 6.8 5.15 12.0 12.0
Depth (with covers) 201.6 167 147 225 213
(z) cm
Width (with covers) 216.6 200 195 238 244
(x) cm
Height (with covers) 240 206 220 226 221
(y) cm
Radial (x,y) 0.5 mT 2.8 3.0 2.9 3.4 3.4
fringe field m
Axial (z) 0.5 mT 5.0 5.2 4.4 5.9 5.9
fringe field m
Minimum installed 36 40 28 <33 <33
area m2*
Minimum ceiling 266.7 290 300 273 273
height cm*
*To include 0.5 mT fringe field

Table 6. Electronics cabinets

GE Philips Siemens Siemens Siemens
HD Achieva Allegra Trio Trio, A Tim
system
Number of cabinets 5 4 3 3 2 cabinets,
additional
RF-amplifier
Total width cm 287.3 259 225 276 156
Maximum depth cm 95.2 98 65 65 65
Maximum height cm 217.4 196 189 189 197
Report 05048: 3.0 T MRI systems - issue 2

Cooling system Air Water Water Water Water

6
Comparative specifications

RF system
Table 7. RF system specification
GE Philips Siemens Siemens Siemens
HD Achieva Allegra Trio Trio, A Tim system
Name/type/ HD Freewave iPAT iPAT iPAT plus Tim Tim Tim
version of the plus [102x8] [102x18] [102x32]
system
Number of 4/ 8 (std)/ 4 8 8 8 18 32
independent RF 16 16 (opt)
receiver
channels
(standard/
optional)
Bandwidth of 0.5 3 1 1 1 1 1 1
each
independent RF
receiver channel
(MHz)
Number of 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1
Analog-to-Digital
Converters for
each
independent RF
channel
Sampling 1 80 10 10 10 10 10 10
frequency of Direct digital
each Analog-to- sampling with
Digital Converter no
(MHz) intermediate
frequency
modulation
Report 05048: 3.0 T MRI systems - issue 2

7
Comparative specifications

Gradient system
Table 8. Gradient system specification (x, y, z as defined in Figure 2)
GE Philips Siemens Siemens Siemens
HD Achieva Allegra Trio Trio, A Tim
system
Zoom Whole
mode body
mode
Shielding Active Active Active Active Active Active
Single axis maximum
amplitude mT/m
x (horizontal) 50 23 80 40 40 40
y (vertical) 50 23 80 40 40 40
z (along the bore axis) 50 23 80 40 40 45
Single axis slew rate
mT/m/ms
x (horizontal) 150 80 200 400 200 200
y (vertical) 150 80 200 400 200 200
z (along the bore axis) 150 80 200 400 200 200
Duty cycle 100 100 100 100 100 100
at max amplitude %

Amplitude 50 23 80 40 40 40; 40; 45

at 100% duty cycle
mT/m

Figure 2. Gradient directions

Report 05048: 3.0 T MRI systems - issue 2

Z
X

8
Comparative specifications

Sequence information
MagNET comment

Quoted values correspond to imaging with no interpolation, no asymmetric

echo, no partial Fourier, no parallel imaging, no fat-sat, no rectangular matrix,
no rectangular field-of-view.

Table 9. Speed parameters

GE Philips Siemens Siemens Siemens
HD Achieva Allegra Trio Trio, A Tim
system
Minimum TR ms 7 29.6 11 11 6.8
Spin echo*
Minimum TR ms 2.6 1.1 1.72 1.66 1.5
2D gradient echo*
Minimum TR ms 1.3 1.1 1.72 1.66 1.5
3D gradient echo*
Minimum echo 2.5 2.40 0.88 1.04 1.1
spacing ms
Turbo spin echo*
Minimum echo 0.296 0.34 0.42 0.43 0.41
spacing ms
Echo planar imaging†
Minimum TE ms 64.8 37 57 57 53
Single-shot diffusion
imaging with b-value
of 1000 mm2/s†
* For 256x256 matrix with no interpolation
†
For 128x128 matrix with no interpolation

Table 10. Resolution parameters

GE Philips Siemens Siemens Siemens
HD Achieva Allegra Trio Trio, A Tim
Report 05048: 3.0 T MRI systems - issue 2

system
Minimum FOV mm 10 5 5 5 5
Maximum imaging 1024 x 1024 1024 x 1024 1024x1024 1024x1024 1024x1024
matrix
Minimum 2D slice 0.5 0.5 0.1 0.1 0.1
thickness mm
Minimum 3D slice 0.1 0.05 0.05 0.05 0.05
thickness mm

9
Comparative specifications

Table 11. Sequence packages: standard packages

Packages
GE HD Standard package: FRFSE, Dual echo FGRE, SSFSE, FSE, 3D EFGRE,
FAME, T1 FLAIR, EPI. For more complete applications information: refer to
product data sheet
Philips ScanTools package (standard on each Achieva system): Spin Echo (SE); Fast
Achieva Field Echo (FFE) including steady state (Balanced-FFE) and spoiling techniques;
Turbo Field Echo (TFE) including pre-pulses and flip angle sweep; Turbo Spin
Echo (TSE) with single and dual echoes, DRIVE (Driven Equilibrium), Single
Shot (SS) TSE; Echo Planar Imaging (EPI) Multi Shot (MS) and Single Shot (SS)
for FFE and SE imaging compatible with pre-pulses; Inversion Recovery (IR,
STIR, FLAIR) compatible with SE, TSE and EPI imaging methods; Time of Flight
(ToF) with FFE and TFE imaging techniques, including RF Spoiling and MTC,
gating acquisitions and dual gated inflow, 3D acquisition with TONE and multi-
chunk (MOTSA); Contrast Enhanced (CE) with CENTRA with ultra-short short
TE, FFE and TFE, CENTRA (Contrast Enhanced MR Angiography with 3D
profiles); Phase Contrast (PC) 2D and 3D with variable VENC values,
retrospectively gated 2D multi-phase; Quantitative flow in 3 directions; CLEAR
(Constant LEvel AppeaRance); Cardiac gated breath-hold TFE: bright blood or
dark blood; Single-slice multi-phase with Balanced FFE with retrospective gating;
3D k-space shutter 25% reduction in scan times. ProSet (provides water- or fat-
selective excitation images), SPAIR (fat saturation technique to address RF field
inhomogeneities). BLISS (bilateral breast imaging in the sagittal view with
SENSE), TRACS, time-resolved MRA, SENSE parallel imaging for all sequences
(SENSE factor 2)
Siemens Core package: Spin Echo (SE), Inversion Recovery (IR), 2D/3D TurboSE, Turbo
Allegra IR, Dark-Fluid IR, True IR, 2D/3D Multi-Echo Data Image Combination (MEDIC),
2D/3D Gradient Echo (GRE) Fast Low Angle Shot (FLASH), 2D/3D GRE Fast
Imaging with Steady Precession (FISP), 2D/3D PSIF (Time-inverted FISP
technique), 2D Turbo FLASH, 3D Magnetization Prepared Rapid Gradient Echo
imaging (MP-RAGE) (3D TurboFLASH), 2D/3D Time Of Flight (TOF)
angiography, Magnetization Transfer Contrast (MTC), Tilted Optimised Non-
saturating Excitation (TONE) used with 3D TOF Magnetic Resonance
Angiography (MRA), Gradient Motion Rephasing (GMR), Long Term Averaging
(LOTA)
Siemens Core package: Spin Echo (SE), Inversion Recovery (IR), 2D/3D TurboSE, Turbo
Trio IR, Dark-Fluid IR, True IR, 2D/3D Multi-Echo Data Image Combination (MEDIC),
2D/3D Gradient Echo (GRE) Fast Low Angle Shot (FLASH), 2D/3D GRE Fast
Imaging with Steady Precession (FISP), 2D/3D PSIF (Time-inverted FISP
Report 05048: 3.0 T MRI systems - issue 2

technique), 2D Turbo FLASH, 3D Magnetization Prepared Rapid Gradient Echo

imaging (MP-RAGE) (3D TurboFLASH), 2D/3D Time Of Flight (TOF)
angiography, Magnetization Transfer Contrast (MTC), Tilted Optimised Non-
saturating Excitation (TONE) used with 3D TOF Magnetic Resonance
Angiography (MRA), Gradient Motion Rephasing (GMR), Long Term Averaging
(LOTA)

10
Comparative specifications

Table 11. Sequence packages: standard packages

Packages
Siemens Tim application suite includes: neuro, angio, cardiac suites. See following
Trio, A tables.
Tim Sequences: Spin Echo (SE): Single, Double and Multi Echo (up to 32 echoes).
system Inversion Recovery (IR). 2D/3D FLASH (spoiled GRE). 2D/3D FISP. 2D GRE
segmented. 2D/3D PSIF. PSIF Diffusion. 2D/3D TrueFISP. TrueFISP segmented
Shared Phases Real-time TrueFISP (without ECG). 2D/3D MEDIC (Multi Echo
Data Image Combination). 2D/3D TurboFLASH (MPRAGE). 3D VIBE (Volume
Interpolated Breath-hold Examination), using interpolation and fat saturation.
2D/3D TSE. Echo Sharing technique for dual-contrast, proton density and T2
images simultaneously. 2D/3D Restore TSE. Single-slab 3D TSE (SPACE) for
T2 and dark-fluid applications with isotropic resolution. 2D/3D TurboIR (TrueIR,
STIR, DarkFluid T1 and T2). 2D/3D HASTE (Half-Fourier Acquisition with Single
Shot Turbo Spin Echo). 2D/3D HASTE IR for fat or fluid suppression. 2D/3D
Single Shot TSE for heavy T2 weighting. 2D/3D Time-of-Flight (ToF)
Angiography, single and multi slab. 2D/3D ToF, triggered and segmented
Body suite (standard): Free breathing 2D PACE applications with 2D/3D
HASTE (Restore) and 2D/3D TSE (Restore). Single-shot HASTE. Fat
suppression protocols with Quick FatSat, STIR, HASTE and FLASH in-
phase/opposed-phase protocols and multi-echo TSE. Dynamic 3D VIBE
protocols. Colonography bright lumen with T2-weighted TrueFISP and dark
lumen with T1-weighted VIBE. Dynamic volume examinations with 3D VIBE
Onco suite (standard): STIR TSE and FLASH in-phase/ opposed-phase
protocols. Breast imaging protocols with iPAT. Dynamic imaging protocols for
assessment of the kinetic behaviour for lesion detection and characterization.
Quantitative evaluation with colorized Wash-in, Washout, Time-To-Peak,
Positive- Enhancement-Integral, MIPtime, and combination maps with Inline
Technology or for offline calculation. Display and analysis of the temporal
behavior in selected regions of interest with the included MeanCurve
postprocessing application. This includes the capability of using additional
datasets as a guide for defining regions of interest even faster and easier than
before
Ortho suite (standard): 2D TSE protocols for PD, T1, and T2-weighted
contrast. 3D MEDIC, 3D TrueFISP protocols with water excitation for T2-
weighted imaging. 3D VIBE protocols for MR arthrography (knee, shoulder and
hip). 3D MEDIC, 3D TrueFISP, 3D VIBE protocols with water excitation. 3D TSE
with variable flip angle. Whole-spine single-step or multi-step protocols. Fat
suppression in off-centre positions. Dynamic TMJ and ilio-sacral joint protocol.
Susceptibility-insensitive protocols
Report 05048: 3.0 T MRI systems - issue 2

Paediatric suite (standard): Head and spine protocols divided according to age
groups. Cardiac morphology protocols according to age groups, optimised for a
small FoV and faster heart rates in congenital heart diseases (CHD). Imaging
protocols for ventricular function as well as valvular and septal defects. CE-MRA
as an adjuvant in the assessment of CHD and vasculature

11
Comparative specifications

Table 12. Sequence packages: angiography and cardiac imaging

Packages
GE HD Angiography: Fluoro triggering MRA. For more complete applications
information: refer to product data sheet
Philips Angiography: BolusTrak (provides 2D-real time fluoroscopic display of contrast
Achieva bolus arrival for synchronization of contrast-enhanced angio acquisitions),
MobiTrak (provides automatic table movement between successive angiographic
image acquisitions for visualization of the abdominal aorta and peripheral
vasculature), MobiFlex (enhances the MobiTrak peripheral vascular angiography
technique by providing the flexibility to individually specify contrast timing and
image resolution for each station. MobiFlex enables use in combination with
SENSE and BolusTrak), MobiView (automatically presents multi-station data as
one image), Qflow analysis (provides quantitative flow results from Regions of
Interest (ROI) in velocity encoded Phase Contrast (PC) datasets)

Cardiac: Cardiac performance package (includes VCG triggering capabilities,

multi-slice multi-phase imaging and quantitative flow analysis), Cardiac perfusion
package (enables multi-slice first-pass perfusion studies with full heart
coverage), Viability (tissue viability characteristics are revealed via late hyper
enhancement of the tissue signal in T1-weighted images. Package provides
single breath-hold or free breathing examinations with full heart coverage.
MotionTrak provides real-time interactive motion correction for free breathing
protocols), Cardiac tagging (provides the visualization of myocardial wall motion,
allowing visualization of both contractual and torsional motions throughout the
cardiac cycle), Coronary artery imaging (enables fast, free breathing coronary
imaging)
Siemens Angiography: 2D/3D Phase Contrast (PC), 2DTOF segmentation and ECG
Allegra triggering, Contrast Enhanced (CE) MRA, Turbo MRA, 2D FLASH segmented,
2D PC ECG triggered, Evaluation for flow velocity (cm/s), flow volume (ml/s)
Siemens Angiography: 2D/3D Phase Contrast (PC), 2DTOF segmentation and ECG
Trio triggering, Contrast Enhanced (CE) MRA, Turbo MRA, 2D FLASH segmented,
2D PC ECG triggered, Evaluation for flow velocity (cm/s), flow volume (ml/s)

Cardiac imaging: Cardiac post-processing

Report 05048: 3.0 T MRI systems - issue 2

12
Comparative specifications

Table 12. Sequence packages: angiography and cardiac imaging

Packages
Siemens Angio suite (standard): 3D contrast-enhanced MRA protocols with or without
Trio, A iPAT for head, neck, thorax, abdomen, peripheral regions. CareBolus
Tim functionality: determination of the bolus arrival time. Peripheral CE-MRA. 2D/3D
system time of flight. Triggered 2D/3D ToF sequences for non-contrast MRA. 2D/3D
phase-contrast. MR venography with 2D/3D ToF and phase-constrast. Tilted
optimised non-saturating excitation (TONE) and MTC techniques. Water-
excitation 3D ToF protocol. MIP, MinIP, 3D SSD. Inline MIP. Inline subtraction of
pre-post contrast measurements. Inline standard deviation maps of phase-
contrast measurements for delineation of arteries and veins. Software-controlled
table movements.
Cardiac suite (standard): Various breath-hold techniques (dark-blood TSE,
HASTE, cine techniques: FLASH). Acquisition of a stack of shortaxis slices
(standard segmented FLASH, or advanced segmented TrueFISP). Use of the
Inline ECG for graphical ECG triggering set-up. Prospective gating with cine
sequences (TrueFISP, FLASH). iPAT. Turbo FLASH
Advanced cardiac package: Dark-blood sequences. Ventricular Function and
Wall Motion. Dynamic CINE TrueFISP imaging of cardiac function with
prospective and retrospective ECG triggering, with or without breath-hold
technique. Cine imaging with echo sharing. Triggered retrogated cine imaging
with arrhythmia rejection for automatic adjustment of the number of phases to
the heart rate. Real-time cine TrueFISP imaging without need for ECG triggering
or breath-hold commands. Real-time radial imaging. TrueFISP iPAT and Half
Fourier techniques. Protocols for pediatrics, plaque imaging and stress imaging.
Dedicated sequences for coronary imaging and angiography providing free
breathing navigator (1D PACE) and breath-hold techniques (2D and 3D Flash
and TrueFISP, requires PMU Wireless Physio Control option)
Report 05048: 3.0 T MRI systems - issue 2

13
Comparative specifications

Table 13. Sequence packages: diffusion, perfusion imaging

Packages
GE HD Diffusion: EPI diffusion, Diffusion tensor. For more complete applications
information: refer to product data sheet
Philips Neurological: Advanced EPI package (features temporal and spatial resolution
Achieva for EPI imaging), GRASE package (combines characteristics of TSE with EPI
into a single imaging sequence), Perfusion imaging package (features
hemodynamic maps with dynamic multi-slice T2*-weighted sequences),
SameScan package (enables repetition of Neuro studies. Exact scanning
parameters, slice positioning and geometry of previous studies can be easily
repeated)
Diffusion imaging: Diffusion imaging performance package (includes Single-
Shot (SS) EPI diffusion imaging sequences for motion free imaging, plus the
automatic calculation of isotropic Diffusion Weighted (DW) images and Apparent
Diffusion Coefficient (ADC) maps), High-resolution diffusion package (enables
high-resolution diffusion imaging of the brain and brain stem), Diffusion Tensor
Imaging package (DTI) (measures the directional dependence of the diffusion
coefficient in tissue. Enables visualization of white matter tracts in Fractional
Anisotropy (FA) maps)
Functional imaging: PRESTO package (ultra-fast imaging sequence provides a
combination of whole brain coverage using high temporal-resolution T2*-
weighted images), BOLD imaging package (provides acquisition sequences for
performing BOLD (Blood Oxygen Level Dependent) studies in order to localize
T2* task-related signal changes in the brain), IView BOLD analysis package
(provides real-time processing of functional BOLD MR data sets into functional
activation maps), Total spine imaging (Multi-station spine imaging in a single
scan)
Perfusion imaging package (features hemodynamic maps, Negative Index (NI),
Time-to-peak (TTP), Time-of-arrival (T0), Mean Transit Time (MTT) and flow
index (index)) using dynamic multi-slice T2* weighted sequences.
Siemens Functional imaging: Single shot EPI (FID), Online processing/dynamic
Allegra evaluation, Single shot EPI SE, Diffusion – ADC/Trace, Perfusion – global bolus
plot, Time To Peak map (TTP), percentage signal image
Siemens Functional imaging: Single shot EPI (FID), Online processing/dynamic
Trio evaluation, Single shot EPI SE, Diffusion – ADC/Trace, Perfusion – global bolus
plot, Time To Peak map (TTP), percentage signal image
Report 05048: 3.0 T MRI systems - issue 2

14
Comparative specifications

Table 13. Sequence packages: diffusion, perfusion imaging

Packages
Siemens Neuro suite (standard): 3D isotropic resolution volume imaging using T1 3D
Trio, A MPRAGE/3D FLASH and T2 DarkFluid SPACE. Whole-spine protocols in
system multiple steps with software-controlled table movement. T2-weighted 3D Restore
protocols optimised for inner ear examinations. 2D and 3D MEDIC protocols for
T2-weighted imaging, particularly for C-spine examinations in axial orientation.
3D Myelo with 3D HASTE and 3D TrueFISP for anatomical details. Dynamic
sacro-iliac joint imaging using T1-weighted FLASH 2D sequence. Spine diffusion
protocols to differentiate osteoporosis versus tumour infiltration and post
radiotherapy changes versus residual tumour with PSIF sequence
Neuro advanced package (optional): Automatic real-time calculation of Global
Bolus Plot (GBP), Percentage of Baseline at Peak map (PBP) and Time-to-Peak
map (TTP) with Inline Technology. Automatic real-time calculation of trace-
weighted images and ADC maps with Inline Technology. Integral part of single-
shot diffusion weighted EPI.
Inline BOLD Imaging (optional): Automatic real-time calculation of z-score (t-
test) maps with Inline technology, for variable paradigms. Compatible to single-
shot EPI for multi-slice imaging. ART (Advanced Retrospective Technique) for
fully automatic 3D retrospective motion correction, for 6 degrees of freedom (3
translations and 3 rotations); 3D spatial filtering; Overlay of Inline calculated t-
test results on the EPI images.
Advanced Functional Neuro: 3D PACE (optional): Fully automatic 3D
prospective motion correction during data acquisition, for 6 degrees of freedom
(3 translations and 3 rotations); Motion correction covering the complete 3D
volume.
Report 05048: 3.0 T MRI systems - issue 2

15
Comparative specifications

Table 14. Sequence packages: fast imaging techniques

Packages
GE HD Fast imaging: EPI, FSE, SSFSE
Parallel acquisition imaging: ASSET
For more complete applications information: refer to product data sheet
Philips Fast Imaging: single-shot TSE, Balanced FFE, Balanced TFE, single- and multi-
Achieva shot EPI
Parallel acquisition imaging: SENSE (Sensitivity Encoding) parallel imaging
techniques. SENSE acceleration factors up to 8.
Siemens Fast imaging: True FISP, Half-Fourier Acquisition Single-Shot Turbo SE
Allegra (HASTE), HASTE IR, Single shot TSE (SS TSE)
Parallel acquisition imaging: GRAPPA and mSENSE parallel imaging
techniques
Siemens Fast imaging: True FISP, Half-Fourier Acquisition Single-Shot Turbo SE
Trio (HASTE), HASTE IR, Single shot TSE (SS TSE), Hybrid sequence for high
resolution in orthopaedics, interactive realtime option
Parallel acquisition imaging: GRAPPA and mSENSE parallel imaging
techniques
Siemens Fast imaging techniques: provided in the Tim Application Suite (See sequence
Trio, A list above).
system Parallel acquisition imaging: GRAPPA and mSENSE parallel imaging
techniques. iPAT Extensions (integrated Parallel Acquisition Techniques). iPAT2
allows iPAT in 2 directions simultaneously (phase-encoding direction and 3D
direction for 3D sequences)

Table 15. Sequence packages: spectroscopy

Packages
GE HD Spectroscopy: Single voxel, Multi voxel. For more complete applications
information: refer to product data sheet
Philips Spectroscopy: 1H Spectro package includes single voxel, multi-voxel and multi-
Achieva slice proton spectroscopy acquisition methods. The package includes
SpectroView data processing and display. Multi-nuclear option
Siemens Spectroscopy: FID, Stimulated Echo Acquisition Method (STEAM), PRESS,
Allegra Postprocessing SW including algorithms working on time-domain data,
algorithms working on spectra, and display of results, STEAM-CSI, PRESS-CSI,
multinuclear option
Siemens Spectroscopy: FID, Stimulated Echo Acquisition Method (STEAM), PRESS,
Trio Postprocessing SW including algorithms working on time-domain data,
Report 05048: 3.0 T MRI systems - issue 2

algorithms working on spectra, and display of results, STEAM-CSI, PRESS-CSI,

multinuclear option
Siemens Single Voxel Spectroscopy: integrated software package with sequences and
Trio, A protocols for proton spectroscopy.
system SVS techniques SE and STEAM: automated adjustments including localized
shimming and adjustment of water suppression pulses. Interactive adjustments
and control of adjustments. Optimised protocols for brain applications.
Chemical Shift Imaging: Matrix Spectroscopy – phase-coherent signal
combination. 2D and 3D Chemical Shift Imaging. Hybrid CSI with combined
VoIume selection and Field of View (FoV) encoding. Outer Volume Suppression.
Spectral Suppression

16
Comparative specifications

Table 16. Sequence packages: others

Packages
GE HD Others: Not supplied
For more complete applications information: refer to product data sheet
Philips Body: Keyhole (allows fast imaging with high temporal and spatial resolution),
Achieva Thrive (enables isotropic high-resolution T1-weighted body images with large
slice coverage and uniform fat suppression in short breath-hold times),
MobiScan whole-body imaging package (enables rapid, automated whole-body
imaging with an effective field of view of over 2 meters (7 feet). MobiScan
combines MobiTrak, MobiFlex, and MobiView imaging and viewing techniques
with ExamCards to deliver multi-station head-to-toe coverage)

Others: Real-time interactive imaging (provides the imaging techniques and user
interface elements for fluoroscopic MR imaging.)
Siemens Others: 3D Constructive Interference in the Steady State (CISS), 3D Dual Echo
Allegra Steady State (DESS) with/without water excitation, Online visualisation of
contrast enhancement as centre of k-space is filled as quickly as possible for
exact timing of CE MRA, Fast switch from 2D to 3D, Centric, elliptical k-space
filling
Siemens Others: 3D Constructive Interference in the Steady State (CISS), 3D Dual Echo
Trio Steady State (DESS) with/without water excitation, Online visualisation of
contrast enhancement as centre of k-space is filled as quickly as possible for
exact timing of CE MRA, Fast switch from 2D to 3D, Centric, elliptical k-space
filling
Siemens CISS & DESS (Double Echo Steady State): T2/T1-weighted. Fluid-cartilage
Trio, A differentiation in orthopedic imaging 3D CISS (Constructive Interference in
system Steady State).
Flow Quantification: quantitative flow determination studies: measuring
blood/CSF flow non-invasively Requires Physiological Measurement Unit (PMU)
option.
RetroGated Flow: Dynamic representation of temporally changing flow
Interactive Realtime: Real-time cardiac examinations. Real-time interactive
slice positioning and slice angulation. 3D Magellan SpaceMouse included
TGSE (Turbo Gradient Spin Echo): Hybrid Turbo Spin Echo/Gradient echo
used primarily for T2- weighted imaging
Report 05048: 3.0 T MRI systems - issue 2

17
Comparative specifications

Computer system
Table 17. Main computer system - architecture
GE Philips Siemens Siemens Siemens
HD Achieva Allegra Trio Trio, A Tim
system
Type Intel Xeon dual Dual Pentium 2 x Pentium Pentium Pentium IV
processors with IV Xeon IV/Intel Xeon IV/Intel Xeon Xeon
Hyperthreading processors
Operating Linux Windows XP Windows XP Windows XP Windows XP
system Professional, Professional,
sygno sygno
speaking speaking
CPU speed Dual 2.66GHz > 2x2.8 2x3 2x3.06 2x3.6
GHz >900
(SPECfp2000)
>900
(SPECint2000)
Word length 32 32 32 32 32
bit
Memory size 2 2 2 2 2
GB
Hard disk:
Software GB 1 x 32 36 36 36 (+ 36 36 (+ 36
database) database)
Images GB 2 x 32 36 73 73 73
†
Image > 490 000 250 000 110 000 110 000 110 000†
capacity
2562
images*
Archive
drive:
Drive MOD, DVD RW DVD RW or CDR, MOD CDR, MOD CDR
MOD (read only) (read only)
Report 05048: 3.0 T MRI systems - issue 2

Size 1.3GB or 2.6GB 4.7GB or 640MB 640MB 640MB

for MOD 4.1GB
4.7GB for DVD
Image 15 000 for >35 000 4 300 4 300 4 300
capacity 1.3GB or 30
2562 000 for 2.3GB
images* for MOD
>35 000 for
DVD
*
Image capacity for uncompressed 2562 images
†
Image capacity for uncompressed 5122 images

18
Comparative specifications

Table 18. Main computer system – image processor

GE Philips Siemens Siemens Siemens
HD Achieva Allegra Trio Trio, A Tim
system
Manufacturer Mercury Dual Pentium Pentium Pentium 2 x AMD
and type Reflex 800B IV Xeon IV/Intel Xeon IV/Intel Xeon Opteron
processors 248 CPU
Processing 0.5 > 2x2.8 3 2 x 3.06 2 x ≥2.2
speed GHz
Word length 32 32 32 32 32
bit
Memory size 2 4 1 opt 2 GB 2 GB RAM† ≥8†
bulk array GB RAM for iPAT
plus with four
36 GB hard
disks
Number of 400 >256 239 with full 355 1002
2562 images* FOV
reconstructed 1773 with
per sec 25% recFOV
Transfer rate 90 1000 BaseT No transfer No transfer No transfer
from host time common time common time common
MB/s bus bus bus
*
Reconstruction time for a true 256x256 matrix with no interpolation, no asymmetric echo, no partial
Fourier, no parallel imaging, no fat-sat, no rectangular matrix, no rectangular field-of-view.
†
Siemens offers four additional 36GB hard disks for largest multiple data sets.

Table 19. Main computer image display monitor

GE Philips Siemens Siemens Siemens
HD Achieva Allegra Trio Trio, A Tim
system
Screen size 18 19 18 19 19
in
Type LCD colour LCD colour LCD colour LCD colour LCD colour
(BW/colour)
Matrix size 1280x1024 1280×1024 1280×1024 1280×1024 1280×1024
Report 05048: 3.0 T MRI systems - issue 2

Bit depth bit 24 3×8 16 16 16

19
Comparative specifications

Radio-frequency (RF) coils

The following definitions are provided by MagNET to clarify the RF coils’ design
and components:

• # output channels: number of independent RF receiver channels

the RF coil plugs into.
• # elements for QD/CP: number of elements used for quadrature
(QD)/circularly polarised (CP) detection.
• # elements for LP: number of elements used for linearly polarised
(LP) detection.

Manufacturers have been asked to adopt the above definitions in the

description of their coils.

Table 20. Head coils

GE Philips Siemens Siemens Siemens
HD Achieva Allegra Trio Trio, A Tim system
Name Quadrature Quadrature CP Head CP Head CP Head
Head Head
Type* T/R T/R Q T/R Q T/R Q T/R Q
Dimensions 28 x 38 28 × 30 27 x 35 27 x 35 27 x 35
cm (dia xl) (dia × l) (dia x l) (dia x l) (dia x l)
# output 1 1 1 CP 1 CP 1 CP
channels
# elements 2 12 2 elements 2 elements 2 elements
for QD/CP (= 1 CP) (=1 CP) (=1 CP)
# elements 0 0 0 0 0
for LP
Name 8 channel SENSE 4-channel 8-channel Head Matrix
head head coil head array head array
(iPAT (iPAT CP Dual Triple
compatible) compatible) mode mode mode
Report 05048: 3.0 T MRI systems - issue 2

Type* R PA R PA R PA L R PA L R PA R PA R PA
Q/L Q/L Q/L
Dimensions 24x24 23x22 Not supplied Not supplied 30 x 30 x 33 (l x w x h)
cm (diaxl) (dia x l)
# output 8 8 4 8 4 CP 8 CP 12
channels
# elements 0 0 0 0 12 12 12
for QD/CP (=4 CP) (=8 CP) (=12)
# elements 8 8 4 8 See See See
for LP above above above
*R=receive, T/R=transmit/receive, PA=phased array, Q=quadrature, L=linear, w=width, h=height, d=depth,
l=length, dia=diameter, circ=circumference

20
Comparative specifications

Table 21. Neck coils

GE Philips Siemens Siemens Siemens
HD Achieva Allegra Trio Trio, A Tim system
Name Open 16 channel No such Neuro- Neck Matrix
neuro- SENSE neuro- coil vascular
vascular vascular array (iPAT CP Dual Triple
compatible) mode mode mode
Type* R PA R PA - R PA L R PA R PA R PA
Q/L Q/L Q/L
Dimensions 20x25x48 43×35 - Not supplied 19 x 33 x 33.2 (l x w x h)
cm (wxhxl) (dia × l)
# output 4 16 - 8 2 CP 4 4
channels
# elements 6 8 - 0 4 4 4
for QD/CP (=2CP) (=4) (=4)
# elements 1 18 - 13 See See See
for LP above above above
Name No other 8 channel No other No other coil Head/neck coverage†
coil SENSE neuro- coil
vascular CP Dual Triple
mode mode mode
Type* - R PA - - R PA R PA R PA
Q/L Q/L Q/L
Dimensions - 43×35 (dia × l) - - See individual coils
cm
# output - 8 - - In total In total In total
channels 6 CP 12 16
(=8CP
+4)
# elements - 8 - - In total In total In total
for QD/CP 16 16 16
(=6CP) (=12CP) (=16)
# elements - 18 - - See See See
for LP above above above
*R=receive, T/R=transmit/receive, PA=phased array, Q=quadrature, L=linear, w=width, h=height, d=depth,
Report 05048: 3.0 T MRI systems - issue 2

l=length, dia=diameter, circ=circumference

†
Head/neck & neuro-vascular applications: Head Matrix and Neck Matrix can be combined and used
simultaneously (Matrix technology) to provide head-neck coverage.

21
Comparative specifications

Table 22. Body coils

GE Philips Siemens Siemens Siemens
HD Achieva Allegra Trio Trio, A Tim system
In-built body coil
Name Quadrature Quadrature No such CP CP Integrated Body
T/R body Body coil Integrated
Body
Type* T/R T/R Q - T/R Q T/R Q
Dimensions 60x60 (diaxl) Aperture 60 - 60 × 60 60 × 60 (dia × l)
cm cm (dia × l)
# output 1 1 - 1 CP 1 CP
channels
# elements 2 16 - 2 (= 1 CP) 2 (= 1 CP)
for QD/CP
# elements - - - - -
for LP
Body coils
Name Torso Sense Torso No such Body/pelvic Body Matrix
phased coil array (iPAT
array compatible) CP Dual Triple
mode mode mode
Type* R PA R PA - R PA L R PA R PA R PA
Q/L Q/L Q/L
Dimensions 34x30 (l x w) 45×35 (l x w) - Not 52 x 32.2 (w x l)
cm supplied
# output 8 6 - 8 2CP 4CP 6
channels
# elements 0 0 - 0 6 6 6
for QD/CP (=2CP) (=4CP) (=6)
# elements 8 6 - 8 See See See
for LP above above above
*R=receive, T/R=transmit/receive, PA=phased array, Q=quadrature, L=linear, w=width, h=height, d=depth,
l=length, dia=diameter, circ=circumference
Report 05048: 3.0 T MRI systems - issue 2

22
Comparative specifications

Table 22. Body coils

GE Philips Siemens Siemens Siemens
HD Achieva Allegra Trio Trio, A Tim system
Name No other No other No other No other Body/spine coverage†
coil coil coil coil
CP Dual Triple
mode mode mode
Type* - - - - R PA Q/L R PA Q/L R PA Q/L
Dimensions - - - - See individual coils
cm
# output - - - - 4CP 8CP 12
channels
# elements - - - - In total In total In total
for QD/CP 12 12 12
(=4CP) (=8CP) (=12)
# elements - - - - See See See
for LP above above above
Name No other No other No other No other Body/spine: 50cm coverage‡
coil coil coil coil
CP Dual Triple
mode mode mode
Type* - - - - R PA Q/L R PA Q/L R PA Q/L
Dimensions - - - - See individual coils
cm
# output - - - - 8CP 16CP 24
channels
# elements - - - - In total In total In total
for QD/CP 24 24 24
(=8CP) (=16CP) (=24)
# elements - - - - See See See
for LP above above above
*R=receive, T/R=transmit/receive, PA=phased array, Q=quadrature, L=linear, w=width, h=height, d=depth,
l=length, dia=diameter, circ=circumference
†
Body Matrix and Spine Matrix can be combined (Matrix technology) to provide body and spine coverage.
‡
Two Body Matrix and Spine Matrix can be combined (Matrix technology) to provide 50 cm coverage in
the z-direction.
Report 05048: 3.0 T MRI systems - issue 2

23
Comparative specifications

Table 22. Body coils

GE Philips Siemens Siemens Siemens
HD Achieva Allegra Trio Trio, A Tim system
Name No No other No other No other Whole body coverage†
other coil coil coil
coil
Type* - - - - See individual coils
Dimensions - - - - See individual coils
cm
# output - - - - Up to 32 channels
channels
# elements - - - - Up to 102 seamlessly integrated coil
for QD/CP elements in total
# elements - - - - -
for LP
*R=receive, T/R=transmit/receive, PA=phased array, Q=quadrature, L=linear, w=width, h=height, d=depth,
l=length, dia=diameter, circ=circumference
†
Whole body applications: combination of Head Matrix + Neck Matrix + Spine matrix + up to 3 Body Matrix
+PA Matrix.

Table 23. Spine coils

GE Philips Siemens Siemens Siemens
HD Achieva Allegra Trio Trio, A Tim system
Name CTL spine CTL spine No such Spine array Spine Matrix
coil (iPAT
compatible) CP Dual Triple
mode mode mode
Type* R PA R Q PA - R PA L R PA Q/L R PA Q/L R PA Q/L
Dimensions Not 82 (l) - Not 48.4 x 118.5 (w x l)
cm supplied supplied
# output 8 6 - 8 8 CP 16 CP 24
channels (up to (up to (up to
4CP sim.) 8CP sim.) 12CPsim.)
# elements 0 6 - 0 24 24 24
for QD/CP (=8CP) (=16CP) (=24)
Report 05048: 3.0 T MRI systems - issue 2

# elements 8 12 - 16 See See See

for LP above above above
*R=receive, T/R=transmit/receive, PA=phased array, Q=quadrature, L=linear, w=width, h=height, d=depth,
l=length, dia=diameter, circ=circumference

24
Comparative specifications

Table 24. Cardiovascular coils

GE Philips Siemens Siemens Siemens
HD Achieva Allegra Trio Trio, A Tim
system
Name Cardiac coil SENSE No such coil Cardiac array PA Matrix
Cardiac (iPAT
compatible) CP Dual
mode mode
Type* R PA R PA - R PA L R Q PA R Q PA
Dimensions Not supplied 32×23 - Not supplied 86 x 30 - 64 x 28
cm (w x l) (l x w x h)

# output 8 6 - 8 12 CP 24 CP
channels
# elements 0 0 - 0 36 36
for QD/CP (=12CP) (=24CP)
# elements 8 6 - 8 36 36
for LP
*R=receive, T/R=transmit/receive, PA=phased array, Q=quadrature, L=linear, w=width, h=height, d=depth,
l=length, dia=diameter, circ=circumference

Table 25. Breast imaging coils

GE Philips Siemens Siemens Siemens
HD Achieva Allegra Trio Trio, A Tim
system
Name No such coil SENSE Breast 13C/1H double Bilateral breast Breast array
resonant array (iPAT (iPAT
surface coil compatible) compatible)
Type* - R PA T/R Q R PA L R PA L
Dimensions - 16 (dia) Not supplied Not supplied Not supplied
cm 12 (depth)
# output - 4 1 4 4
channels
# elements - 0 1 0 0
for QD/CP
Report 05048: 3.0 T MRI systems - issue 2

# elements - 4 0 4 4
for LP
*R=receive, T/R=transmit/receive, PA=phased array, Q=quadrature, L=linear, w=width, h=height, d=depth,
l=length, dia=diameter, circ=circumference

25
Comparative specifications

Table 26. Extremity coils

GE Philips Siemens Siemens Siemens
HD Achieva Allegra Trio Trio, A Tim
system
Knee coils
Name Quad Extremity 8 channel No such coil 8-channel knee 8-channel knee
SENSE knee array (iPAT array (iPAT
compatible) compatible)
(accessory (accessory
coil) coil)
Type* T/R R PA - R PA L R PA L
Dimensions 18x22 (diaxl) 37 x 28 x 32 - Not supplied Not supplied
cm (l x h x w)
# output 1 8 - 8 8
channels
# elements 1 8 - 0 0
for QD/CP
# elements 0 8 - 8 8
for LP
Wrist coils
Name Wrist coil SENSE Wrist No such coil CP Wrist CP Wrist
Type* T/R R PA - T/R Q T/R Q
Dimensions Not supplied Not supplied - Not supplied Not supplied
cm
# output 1 4 - 1 1
channels
# elements 1 0 - 1 1
for QD/CP
# elements 0 4 - 0 0
for LP
Shoulder coils
Name Shoulder coil SENSE No such coil Shoulder array Shoulder array
Shoulder (iPAT (iPAT
compatible) compatible)
Report 05048: 3.0 T MRI systems - issue 2

Type* R PA R PA - R PA L R PA L
Dimensions Not supplied 2 sizes - Not supplied Not supplied
cm
# output 3 4 - 4 4
channels
# elements 0 0 - 0 0
for QD/CP
# elements 3 4 - 4 4
for LP
*R=receive, T/R=transmit/receive, PA=phased array, Q=quadrature, L=linear, w=width, h=height, d=depth,
l=length, dia=diameter, circ=circumference

26
Comparative specifications

Table 26. Extremity coils

GE Philips Siemens Siemens Siemens
HD Achieva Allegra Trio Trio, A Tim
system
Others
Name General SENSE Flex M No other coil CP Extremity CP Extremity
purpose flex
Type* R PA R PA - T/R Q T/R Q
Dimensions 21x45 (lxw) 14 x 17 - Not supplied Not supplied
cm per element
# output 1 2 - 1 1
channels
# elements 0 0 - 1 1
for QD/CP
# elements 1 2 - 0 0
for LP
Name No other coil SENSE Flex L No other coil No other coil No other coil
Type* - R PA - - -
Dimensions - 20 (dia) - - -
cm per element
# output - 2 - - -
channels
# elements - 0 - - -
for QD/CP
# elements - 2 - - -
for LP
*R=receive, T/R=transmit/receive, PA=phased array, Q=quadrature, L=linear, w=width, h=height, d=depth,
l=length, dia=diameter, circ=circumference
Report 05048: 3.0 T MRI systems - issue 2

27
Comparative specifications

Table 27. General purpose/other coils

GE Philips Siemens Siemens Siemens
HD Achieva Allegra Trio Trio, A Tim
system
Name General SENSE Flex M 31P/1H CP Extremity CP Extremity
purpose flex double-
resonant head
coil
Type* R PA R PA T/R Q T/R Q T/R Q
Dimensions 21x45 (lxw) 14 x 17 Not supplied Not supplied Not supplied
cm per element
# output 1 2 1 1 1
channels
# elements 0 0 1 1 1
for QD/CP
# elements 1 2 0 0 0
for LP
Name No other coil SENSE Flex L No other coil Endorectal coil No other coil
(accessory
coil)
Type* - R PA - RQ -
Dimensions - 20 (dia) - Not supplied -
cm per element
# output - 2 - 1 -
channels
# elements - 0 - 1 -
for QD/CP
# elements - 2 - 0 -
for LP
Name No other coil 31-P T/R No other coil No other coil No other coil
surface coil
Type* - T/R L - - -
Report 05048: 3.0 T MRI systems - issue 2

Dimensions - 14 (dia) - - -
cm
# output - 1 - - -
channels
# elements - 0 - - -
for QD/CP
# elements - 1 - - -
for LP
*R=receive, T/R=transmit/receive, PA=phased array, Q=quadrature, L=linear, w=width, h=height, d=depth,
l=length, dia=diameter, circ=circumference

28
Technical evaluation

Introduction to evaluation
The technical performance of the 3.0 T systems included in this evaluation is
provided in this section of the report. Table 28 provides information on these
systems and Table 29 shows MagNET's standard quality assurance protocol.

MagNET requires all images to be acquired without any pre-reconstruction or

post-processing filters. Further information on imaging protocols, image analysis
(including SNR normalisation) and test objects can be found at the MagNET
website at www.magnet-mri.org.

Table 28. MR model abbreviation codes for evaluated 3.0T systems.

GE Philips Siemens Siemens
Model HD ACHIEVA 3T MAGNETOM MAGNETOM
ALLEGRA TRIO
Gradient Twinspeed HD Quasar dual Allegra Sonata
evaluated Head coils:
Zoom mode
Body coils:
Whole mode
Code GE-EXC PH-ACH SI-ALL SI-TRI
MHRA report # Not applicable Not applicable MHRA 03026 MHRA 04102
Assessment 29/11/04 27/09/04 07/11/02 26/02/04
date

Table 29. MagNET's type-test sequence parameters

Standard MagNET protocol
Sequence SE
TE (ms) 30
TR (ms) 1000
NSA 1
Report 05048: 3.0 T MRI systems - issue 2

FOV (mm) 250

Matrix (PE x FE) 256 x 256
Bandwidth (kHz) Manufacturer's choice
Slice width (mm) 5
Scan time (min:sec) 4:18
Image plane TRA, SAG, COR

29
Technical evaluation

Quadrature head coil evaluation

Quadrature head coil: signal to noise ratio (SNR)
Scan parameters
The standard quadrature head coil SNR test is carried out using MagNET's
type-test protocol in Table 29. MagNET's flood field oil test object (MAGFF-OIL
or MAGFF3TOIL+MAGANN3T) is placed at the centre of the coil and is imaged
at the iso-centre in all three planes. Two sequential images are taken for each
plane and used to form a subtracted image. Experimental conditions are
presented in Table 30.

Analysis
The SNR was calculated using a subtraction method; two identical scans were
acquired and a difference image obtained. The mean signal was measured from
five regions of interest within the test object area in one of the acquired images
and the noise was measured from the standard deviation from these regions in
the difference image (Lerski 1998). The values obtained for SNR were
normalised for voxel size (including measured slice width), scan time, and
sampling bandwidth (no normalisation for coil loading).

Interpretation of results
The image SNR value obtained on a system is influenced by many factors. For
example, system factors such as the main magnetic field strength Bo and the
design of the radiofrequency receive and transmit systems can affect the SNR.
Other factors are the choice of sequence and imaging parameters.

The SNR could not be normalised for loading since some manufacturers were
unable to provide Q measurements. Readers should take this into account
when reading the report.

The normalised SNR measurements are presented in Table 31. The

comparison made in Graph 1 shows the mean NSNR for 3T systems tested by
MagNET.

Table 30. Experimental conditions for quadrature head coil SNR test
Report 05048: 3.0 T MRI systems - issue 2

GE-EXC PH-ACH SI-ALL SI-TRI

Temperature (°C) 24 23 21 20
Bandwidth (kHz) 11.90 46.54 16.64 16.64
Test object MAGFF3T-OIL MAGFF3T-OIL MAGFF-OIL MAGFF-OIL
Loading MAGANN-3T MAGANN-3T None None

30
Technical evaluation

Table 31. Quadrature head coil normalised SNR

Transverse Sagittal Coronal Mean
GE-EXC 1777 1512 1697 1662
PH-ACH 2393 2410 2220 2341
SI-ALL 1795 1810 1743 1783
SI-TRI 1884 1801 1772 1819

Graph 1: Comparison of normalised SNR (mean of three planes)*

PH-ACH

SI-TRI
System

SI-ALL

GE-EXC

0 500 1000 1500 2000 2500

Normalised SNR (NSNR)

* no normalisation for coil loading

Report 05048: 3.0 T MRI systems - issue 2

31
Technical evaluation

Quadrature head coil: uniformity

Scan parameters
The standard quadrature head coil uniformity test is carried out using MagNET's
type-test protocol in Table 29. MagNET's flood field oil test object (MAGFF-OIL)
is placed at the centre of the coil and is imaged at the iso-centre in all three
planes.

Analysis
The average of several intensity profiles is calculated in all three gradient
directions. The fractional uniformity is calculated for each gradient direction from
the fraction of the profile that lies within 10% of the mean value of a central ROI
(Lerski 1998). The optimum value is unity, indicating 100% of the signal is
considered uniform over the measured distance.

Interpretation of results
A key factor affecting uniformity is the design of the radiofrequency coil, in this
case, the head coil. Most head coils are optimised to give a high value for the
transverse orientation. Poor uniformity often occurs in the bore direction
(z-gradient direction). This can be seen in the vertical values for the sagittal and
coronal plane. These values often lower the average for the three planes.

The fractional uniformity measurements in the two directions for each plane are
presented in Table 32. The comparison made in Graph 2 shows the mean
fractional uniformity for 3T systems tested by MagNET.
Report 05048: 3.0 T MRI systems - issue 2

32
Technical evaluation

Table 32. Fractional uniformity for the head coil (unfiltered)

x-direction y-direction z-direction Mean±SD
GE-EXC 0.98 0.99 0.43 0.80±0.29
PH-ACH 1.00 1.00 0.42 0.81±0.30
SI-ALL 0.92 1.00 0.71 0.88±0.15
SI-TRI 0.96 0.95 0.98 0.96±0.04

Graph 2. Comparison of fractional uniformity (mean of three planes)

SI-TRI

SI-ALL
System

PHI-ACH

GE-EXC

0 0.2 0.4 0.6 0.8 1

Fractional uniformity
Report 05048: 3.0 T MRI systems - issue 2

33
Technical evaluation

Quadrature head coil: spatial resolution

Scan parameters
The standard quadrature head coil resolution test is carried out using MagNET's
type-test protocol in Table 29. MagNET's resolution test object (MAGRES-OIL)
is placed at the centre of the coil and is imaged at the iso-centre in all three
planes.

Analysis
The resolution is evaluated by calculating the 50% point on the modulation
transfer function (MTF) plot (Lerski 1998). This frequency is converted into pixel
resolution.

Interpretation of results
The resolution measurements are presented in Table 33. The measured
resolution should be equal to the nominal pixel dimension of 0.98mm.

Graph 3 shows a comparison of the average pixel dimension for both the PE
and FE directions (256 x 256 matrix) for 3 T systems tested by MagNET.

MagNET comment

Measurements of MTF are considered to be within experimental error if they are

within ±10% of the nominal pixel size.
Report 05048: 3.0 T MRI systems - issue 2

34
Technical evaluation

Table 33. Pixel dimension measurements (mm) for 256 x 256 matrix
(nominal 0.98 mm)
Mean Mean
Mean ± SD
(in PE direction) (in FE direction)
GE-EXC 1.03 1.03 1.03±0.05
PH-ACH 1.05 1.06 1.06±0.01
SI-ALL 1.06 1.07 1.06±0.04
SI-TRI 1.03 1.08 1.06±0.03

Graph 3: Mean pixel dimension - 256 x 256 matrix (mean of three planes)* †

GE-EXC

PH-ACH
System

SI-ALL

SI-TRI

0.68 0.78 0.88 0.98 1.08 1.18 1.28

Pixel Dimensions (mm)

* Optimum value = 0.98mm

†
Errors ± 10% of the nominal value
Report 05048: 3.0 T MRI systems - issue 2

35
Technical evaluation

Quadrature head coil: geometric linearity

Scan parameters
The standard quadrature head coil geometric linearity test is carried out using
MagNET's type-test protocol in Table 29 with FOV=256 mm. MagNET's
geometry test object (MAGGEOM-OIL) is placed at the centre of the coil and is
imaged at the iso-centre in all three planes.

Analysis
The geometric linearity results are obtained from a set of horizontal and vertical
distance measurements in the acquired images (Lerski 1998).

Interpretation of results
These measurements are converted from pixels to millimetres and compared to
the actual separation distance of 120mm.

Table 34 shows a comparison of the mean geometric linearity for the three
planes.

Graph 4 compares the mean geometric linearity for 3T systems.

MagNET comment

Measurements of geometric linearity are considered to be within experimental

error if they are within ±1mm of the actual dimension.
Report 05048: 3.0 T MRI systems - issue 2

36
Technical evaluation

Table 34. Linearity for three planes direction

x-direction y-direction z-direction Mean ± SD
GE-EXC 120.0 119.7 120.0 119.9±0.32
PH-ACH 120.0 119.8 120.0 119.9±0.24
SI-ALL 119.5 120.7 120.8 120.3±1.03
SI-TRI 120.5 119.8 118.8 119.7±1.41

Graph 4. Comparison of mean error in geometric linearity for 3.0 T

systems (mean of three planes)*.

GE-EXC

PH-ACH
System

SI-ALL

SI-TRI

-1 -0.8 -0.6 -0.4 -0.2 0 0.2 0.4 0.6 0.8 1

Error measured (mm)

*The optimum value is 0 ± 1 mm. Systems are ranked in order of the absolute deviation from optimum.
Report 05048: 3.0 T MRI systems - issue 2

37
Technical evaluation

Quadrature head coil: geometric distortion

Analysis
The Coefficient of Variation (CV) indicates the degree of variation of the
distance measurements from one another. The coefficient of variation is defined
as (Lerski 1998):

standard deviation
CV = x 100%
mean

Interpretation of results
The lower the coefficient of variation, the lower the in-plane distortion and the
better the performance.

Graph 5 shows a comparison of the mean geometric distortion for the three
gradient directions.
Report 05048: 3.0 T MRI systems - issue 2

38
Technical evaluation

Table 35. Distortion measurements for three gradient directions

x-direction y-direction z-direction Mean
GE-EXC 0.00 0.34 0.34 0.23
PH-ACH 0.00 0.34 0.00 0.11
SI-ALL 0.84 0.63 0.96 0.81
SI-TRI 1.54 1.05 0.91 1.17

Graph 5. Comparison of geometric distortion (mean of three gradients)*

PH-ACH

GE-EXC
System

SI-ALL

SI-TRI

0 0.2 0.4 0.6 0.8 1 1.2 1.4

Mean CV (%)

*The optimum value is zero.

Report 05048: 3.0 T MRI systems - issue 2

39
Technical evaluation

Quadrature head coil: slice profile and slice width

Scan parameters
The standard quadrature head coil slice width test is carried out using
MagNET's type-test protocol in Table 29 with SW=3 and 5 mm. MagNET's
geometry test object (MAGGEOM-OIL) is placed at the centre of the coil and is
imaged at the iso-centre in all three planes.

Analysis
The slice width is measured from the full width at half maximum (FWHM) of the
slice intensity profile (Lerski 1998).

Interpretation of results
The slice profiles should have minimum side lobes, no ringing, and no central
drop-out. The measured slice widths for the three imaging planes presented in
Table 36 should lie within 10% of the nominal slice width.

Graph 6 and Graph 7 show comparisons of the mean 3 mm and 5 mm slice

width measurements for 3T systems tested by MagNET.

Table 36. Slice widths (mm) measured as FWHM of derived profiles

Transverse Sagittal Coronal Mean ± SD
3 mm test
GE-EXC 2.9 3.2 2.7 2.9±0.25
PH-ACH 3.1 3.1 3.1 3.1±0.04
SI-ALL 3.9 3.3 3.5 3.5±0.29
SI-TRI 3.3 3.5 3.4 3.4±0.09
5 mm test
GE-EXC 4.9 5.1 4.5 4.8±0.31
PH-ACH 5.2 5.2 5.3 5.2±0.07
SI-ALL 6.6 5.5 5.9 6.0±0.57
SI-TRI 5.4 5.5 5.7 5.6±0.13
Report 05048: 3.0 T MRI systems - issue 2

40
Technical evaluation

Graph 6. Comparison of measured slice widths for a nominal slice width

of 3 mm (mean of three planes)*

GE-EXC

PH-ACH
System

SI-TRI

SI-ALL

-0.6 -0.4 -0.2 0 0.2 0.4 0.6

Error in measured slice width (mm)

* The optimum value is 0 ± 0.3 mm. Systems are ranked in order of the absolute deviation from optimum.

Graph 7. Comparison of measured slice widths for a nominal slice width

of 5 mm (mean of three planes)*

GE-EXC

PH-ACH
System

SI-TRI

SI-ALL
Report 05048: 3.0 T MRI systems - issue 2

-1.2 -1 -0.8 -0.6 -0.4 -0.2 0 0.2 0.4 0.6 0.8 1 1.2
Error in measured slice width (mm)

* The optimum value is 0 ± 0.5 mm. Systems are ranked in order of the absolute deviation from optimum.

41
Technical evaluation

Quadrature head coil: ghosting

Scan parameters
The standard quadrature head coil ghosting test is carried out using MagNET's
type-test protocol in Table 29 with a four echo sequence TE=30 ms, and
NSA=1,2. MagNET's ghosting test object (MAGGHO-OIL) is placed offset from
the centre of the coil and is imaged in the transverse planes.

Analysis
Ghosting is calculated as the ratio of the maximum image ghost, minus the
background noise, to the image signal (Lerski 1998).

Interpretation of results
The lower the ghosting, the better the performance. Table 37 presents the
ghosting results for each echo.

Graph 8 and Graph 9 present results for these 3T systems for 1 and 2 NSA
respectively.

Table 37. Maximum ghosting ratio for 1 and 2 signal averages

Echo 1 Echo 2 Echo 3 Echo 4
Mean
30 ms 60 ms 90 ms 120 ms

NSA = 1

GE-EXC 0.63 0.53 0.37 0.43 0.49

PH-ACH 0.78 0.45 1.04 0.75 0.75

SI-ALL 0.26 0.28 0.27 0.25 0.27

SI-TRI 0.19 0.23 0.23 0.20 0.21

NSA = 2

GE-EXC 0.73 0.80 0.41 0.61 0.64

PH-ACH 0.28 0.45 0.27 0.57 0.39

Report 05048: 3.0 T MRI systems - issue 2

SI-ALL 0.39 0.41 0.31 0.35 0.36

SI-TRI 0.15 0.16 0.16 0.27 0.19

42
Technical evaluation

Graph 8. Comparison of maximum ghosting (NSA=1)*

SI-TRI

SI-ALL 1st echo

System

2nd echo
3rd echo
4th echo
GE-EXC

PH-ACH

0 0.2 0.4 0.6 0.8 1 1.2

Maximum ghost to noise ratio

*The optimal value is zero.

Graph 9. Comparison of maximum ghosting (NSA=2)*

SI-TRI

SI-ALL 1st echo

System

2nd echo
3rd echo
4th echo
PH-ACH

GE-EXC
Report 05048: 3.0 T MRI systems - issue 2

0 0.2 0.4 0.6 0.8 1

Maximum ghost to noise ratio

*The optimal value is zero.

43
Technical evaluation

In-built body coil evaluation

In-built body coil: signal to noise ratio (SNR)
Scan parameters
The in-built body coil SNR test is carried out using MagNET's type-test protocol
in Table 29. MagNET's flood field oil test object (MAGFF-OIL) is placed at the
centre of the coil and is imaged at the iso-centre in all three planes. Two
sequential images are taken for each plane and used to form a subtracted
image. Experimental conditions are presented in Table 38.

Analysis
The SNR was calculated using a subtraction method; two identical scans were
acquired and a difference image obtained. The mean signal was measured from
five regions of interest within the test object area in one of the acquired images
and the noise was measured from the standard deviation from these regions in
the difference image (Lerski 1998). The values obtained for SNR were
normalised for voxel size (including measured slice width), scan time and
sampling bandwidth (no normalisation for coil loading).

Interpretation of results
The image SNR value obtained on a system is influenced by many factors.
Example system factors are the main magnetic field strength B0 and the design
of the radiofrequency receive and transmit systems. Other factors are the
choice of sequence and imaging parameters.

The SNR could not be normalised for loading since some manufacturers were
unable to provide Q measurements. Readers should take this into account
when reading the report.

The image normalised SNR results for the in-built body coil are presented in
Table 39. The comparison made in Graph 10 shows the image SNR normalised
for voxel size, scan time and sampling bandwidth for 3T systems.

Table 38. Experimental conditions for in-built body coil SNR test
Report 05048: 3.0 T MRI systems - issue 2

GE-EXC PH-ACH SI-TRI

Temperature (°C) 24 23 20
Bandwidth (kHz) 11.90 46.54 16.64
Test object MAGFF-OIL MAGFF3T-OIL MAGFF-OIL
Loading None MAGANN3T Siemens body loader

44
Technical evaluation

Table 39. Signal to noise ratio for the in-built body coil
Transverse Sagittal Coronal Mean
GE-EXC 437 449 499 462
PH-ACH 933 910 900 914
SI-TRI 417 427 414 419

Graph 10. Comparison of normalised SNR for in-built body coils (mean of
three planes)*

PH-ACH
System

GE-EXC

SI-TRI

0 200 400 600 800 1000

Normalised SNR (NSNR)

* no normalisation for coil loading

Report 05048: 3.0 T MRI systems - issue 2

45
Technical evaluation

In-built body coil: uniformity

Scan parameters
The in-built body coil uniformity test is carried out using MagNET's type-test
protocol in Table 29. MagNET's flood field oil test object (MAGFF-OIL) is placed
at the centre of the coil and is imaged at the iso-centre in all three planes.

Interpretation of results
A key factor affecting uniformity is the design of the radiofrequency coil. Most
body coils are optimised to give a high value for the transverse orientation. Poor
uniformity often occurs in the bore direction (z-direction for this system). This
can be seen in the vertical values for the sagittal and coronal planes. These
values often lower the average for the three planes.

The fractional uniformity measurements in the two directions for each plane are
presented in Table 40. The comparison made in Graph 11 shows the mean
fractional uniformity for 3T systems tested by MagNET.
Report 05048: 3.0 T MRI systems - issue 2

46
Technical evaluation

Table 40. Fractional uniformity for the in-built body coil (unfiltered)
x-direction y-direction z-direction Mean±SD
GE-EXC 0.97 0.88 0.75 0.87±0.10
PH-ACH 1.00 1.00 0.85 0.95±0.08
SI-TRI 0.95 1.00 1.00 0.96±0.04

Graph 11. Comparison of fractional uniformity (mean of three planes)*

SI-TRI
System

PHI-ACH

GE-EXC

0 0.2 0.4 0.6 0.8 1

Fractional uniformity

*The optimum value is unity.

Report 05048: 3.0 T MRI systems - issue 2

47
Technical evaluation

Multi-channel head coil evaluation

Multi-channel head coil: signal to noise ratio (SNR)
Scan parameters
The multi-channel head coil SNR test is carried out using MagNET's type-test
protocol in Table 29, using a selection of parallel imaging factors. MagNET's
flood field oil test object (MAGFF-OIL or MAGFF3TOIL +MAGANN3T) is placed
at the centre of the coil and is imaged at the iso-centre in all three planes. Two
sequential images are taken for each plane and used to form a subtracted
image. Experimental conditions are presented in Table 41.

Analysis
The SNR was calculated using a subtraction method; two identical scans were
acquired and a difference image obtained. The mean signal was measured from
five regions of interest within the test object area in one of the acquired images
and the noise was measured from the standard deviation from these regions in
the difference image (Dietrich 2005). The values obtained for SNR were
normalised for voxel size (including measured slice width), scan time and
sampling bandwidth (no normalisation for coil loading).

Table 42 shows the measured SNR values. The comparison made in Graph 12
shows the image SNR normalised for voxel size, scan time, and sampling
bandwidth for high-field systems.

Table 41. Experimental conditions for multi-channel head coil SNR test
GE-EXC PH-ACH SI-TRI
Temperature (°C) 24 23 21.5
Report 05048: 3.0 T MRI systems - issue 2

Bandwidth (kHz) 11.90 46.54 16.64

SE for factor off SE for factor off SE for factor off
Sequence TSE for other factors TSE for other factors TSE for other factors
Turbo factor = 2 Turbo factor = 2 Turbo factor = 2
Test object MAGFF3T-OIL MAGFF3T-OIL MAGFF-OIL
Loading MAGANN-3T MAGANN-3T None

48
Technical evaluation

Graph 12. Multi-channel head coil normalised SNR (NSNR) (mean of three
planes, parallel imaging factors = off, 2)*

SI-TRI

factorOff
System

factor2
GE-EXC

PH-ACH
Report 05048: 3.0 T MRI systems - issue 2

0 1000 2000 3000 4000

Normalised SNR
* no normalisation for coil loading

49
Technical evaluation

Multi-channel head coil: uniformity

Scan parameters
The multi-channel head coil uniformity test is carried out using MagNET's type-
test protocol in Table 29, using a selection of parallel imaging factors.
MagNET's flood field oil test object (MAGFF-OIL) is placed at the centre of the
coil and is imaged at the iso-centre in all three planes.

The results for each gradient direction are presented in Table 43. The mean of
the gradient directions for each system is indicated in Graph 13.
Report 05048: 3.0 T MRI systems - issue 2

50
Technical evaluation

Graph 13. Multi-channel head coil uniformity (parallel imaging factor off)*

PHI-ACH
System

SI-TRI

GE-EXC

0 0.2 0.4 0.6 0.8 1

Fractional uniformity

*The optimum value for fractional uniformity is unity.

Report 05048: 3.0 T MRI systems - issue 2

51
Technical evaluation

Multi-channel body coil evaluation

Multi-channel body coil: signal to noise ratio (SNR)
Scan parameters
The multi-channel body coil SNR test is carried out using MagNET's type-test
protocol in Table 29, using a selection of parallel imaging factors. MagNET's
flood field oil test object (MAGFF-OIL) is placed at the centre of the coil and is
imaged at the iso-centre in all three planes. Two sequential images are taken
for each plane and used to form a subtracted image. Experimental conditions
are presented in Table 44.

Analysis
The SNR was calculated using a subtraction method; two identical scans were
acquired and a difference image obtained. The mean signal was measured from
five regions of interest within the test object area in one of the acquired images
and the noise was measured from the standard deviation from these regions in
the difference image (Dietrich 2005). The values obtained for SNR were
normalised for voxel size (including measured slice width), scan time and
sampling bandwidth (no normalisation for coil loading).

The normalised SNR results for multi-channel body coils are presented in Table
45. The comparison made in Graph 14 shows the image SNR normalised for
voxel size, scan time, and sampling bandwidth for systems with equivalent field
strength.

Table 44. Experimental conditions for multi-channel body coil SNR test
GE-EXC PH-ACH SI-TRI
Report 05048: 3.0 T MRI systems - issue 2

Temperature (°C) 24 23 20
Bandwidth (kHz) 11.9 46.54 16.64
SE for factor off SE for factor off SE for factor off
Sequence TSE for other factors TSE for other factors TSE for other factors
Turbo factor = 2 Turbo factor = 2 Turbo factor = 2
Test object MAGFF-OIL MAGFF-OIL MAGFF-OIL
Loading None None None

52
Technical evaluation

Table 45. Signal to noise ratio for the multi-channel body coil
Parallel
imaging Transverse Sagittal Coronal Mean
factor
GE-EXC Off 2000 2323 2191 2171
2 2269 2178 2000 2149
PH-ACH Off 1179 1193 962 1111
1 1274 1247 1041 1187
2 823 872 757 818
3 462 472 417 450
4 244 303 233 260
6 51 45 39 45
SI-TRI Off 1181 1300 1033 1171
2 743 291 230 421
Data for further parallel imaging factors are not available due to time constraints at the time of system
technical assessment.

Graph 14. Comparison of normalised SNR for multi-channel body coils

(mean of three planes, parallel imaging = off, 2)*

GE-EXC

factorOff
System

factor2
PH-ACH

SI-TRI
Report 05048: 3.0 T MRI systems - issue 2

0 500 1000 1500 2000 2500

Normalised SNR
* no normalisation for coil loading

53
Technical evaluation

Multi-channel body coil: uniformity

Scan parameters
The multi-channel body coil uniformity test is carried out using MagNET's type-
test protocol in Table 29. MagNET's flood field oil test object (MAGFF-OIL) is
placed at the centre of the coil and is imaged at the iso-centre in all three
planes.

The results for each gradient direction are presented in Table 46. The mean of
the gradient directions for each system is indicated in Graph 15.

Table 46. Multi-channel body coil fractional uniformity

Parallel
imaging Transverse Sagittal Coronal Mean ± SD
factor
GE-EXC Off 0.96 0.39 0.53 0.63±0.28
2 0.93 0.39 0.50 0.61±0.27
PH-ACH Off 0.94 0.88 0.81 0.88±0.06
1 1.00 1.00 0.87 0.96±0.07
SI-TRI Off 0.93 0.46 0.98 0.79±0.05

Graph 15. Comparison of fractional uniformity for multi-channel body

coils (mean of three planes, parallel imaging factor = off)*

PHI-ACH
Report 05048: 3.0 T MRI systems - issue 2

System

SI-TRI

GE-EXC

0 0.2 0.4 0.6 0.8 1

Fractional uniformity

*The optimum value is unity.

54
Technical evaluation

2D and 3D imaging speed

Scan parameters
The sequences and parameters used for evaluating 2D and 3D imaging speed
are presented in the Appendix (p.65)

Interpretation of results
Both the 2D and 3D imaging speed tests require a fixed volume to be acquired
using 2D and 3D fast imaging sequences. The aim of these tests is to measure
data acquisition speed in voxels/second. The voxel size is defined by the image
matrix and the number of slices in the fixed range. Both the 2D and 3D imaging
speed tests allow for the use of parallel imaging techniques.

MagNET comment

Imaging speed has been calculated as the ratio of imaged voxels to total scan
time. The total scan time is the time displayed by the scanner, rather than the
number of phase-encoding steps × repetition time (TR).

In the case of parallel imaging, pre-scanning (sensitivity encoding) is a pre-

requirement for image reconstruction. GE and Philips systems perform the pre-
scan before a parallel imaging scan study hence the pre-scan time is not
included in the total scan time when calculating imaging speed. Siemens
systems perform the pre-scan as part of each parallel imaging scan; hence the
pre-scan is included in the total scan time when calculating imaging speed.

Therefore the imaging speed results, where applicable, are presented in

separate graphs.

The numerical results of the 2D and 3D imaging speed tests are presented in
the Appendix. The following graphs show the results for no parallel imaging
speeding (parallel imaging off) and for parallel imaging factor =2. It is important
to note that 2D FGE, 2D and 3D FSE imaging speeds have not been measured
on Siemens systems.
Report 05048: 3.0 T MRI systems - issue 2

55
Technical evaluation

Graph 16. Comparison of 2D imaging speed using parallel imaging, with

FGE-type sequences

PH-ACH
System

factor2
factorOff

GE-EXC

0 50000 100000 150000 200000

voxels/sec

Graph 17. Comparison of 2D imaging speed using parallel imaging, with

FSE-type sequences

GE-EXC
System

factor2
factorOff

PH-ACH

0 50000 100000 150000 200000

Report 05048: 3.0 T MRI systems - issue 2

voxels/sec

56
Technical evaluation

Graph 18. Comparison of 2D imaging speed using parallel imaging, with

EPI-type sequences (pre-scan separate from main scan)

GE-EXC
System

factor2
factorOff

PH-ACH

0 100000 200000 300000 400000 500000 600000

voxels/sec

Graph 19. Comparison of 2D imaging speed using parallel imaging, with

EPI-type sequences (pre-scan included in main scan)
System

factor2
SI-TRI
factorOff

0 100000 200000 300000 400000 500000 600000

voxels/sec
Report 05048: 3.0 T MRI systems - issue 2

57
Technical evaluation

Graph 20. Comparison of 3D imaging speed using parallel imaging, with

FGE-type sequences

SI-TRI

SI-ALL
System

factor2
factorOff
GE-EXC

PH-ACH

0 50000 100000 150000 200000

voxels/sec

Graph 21. Comparison of 3D imaging speed using parallel imaging, with

FSE-type sequences

PH-ACH
System

factor2
factorOff

GE-EXC

0 20000 40000 60000 80000

voxels/sec
Report 05048: 3.0 T MRI systems - issue 2

58
Technical evaluation

Acoustic noise
The acoustic noise levels measured in this assessment are provided for
indication only. Variations in factors such as room acoustics may mean that
similar noise levels may not be reproduced at a different site - even with an
identical pulse sequence. Acoustic noise levels are given in terms of the
continuous equivalent level, LAeq, which is A-weighted root-mean-square sound
pressure level (SPL) averaged over the measurement period of 1 minute. The
peak noise Lpeak measured on a linear weighting scale is also recorded. The
relevant safety levels follow.

Patients and volunteers

IEC-60601-2-33
If the scanner can exceed 99 dB(A) then an instruction for the use of hearing
protection must be included in the manufacturer instructions for use.

MHRA
Hearing protection is recommended for all patients even when exposure is less
than 99 dB(A). Where sites can demonstrate noise levels significantly below 85
dB(A) then this requirement may be relaxed. Please refer to Guidelines for
Magnetic Resonance Diagnostic Equipment in Clinical Use: Medical Devices
Agency 2002.

Staff
NOISE AT WORK REGULATIONS 1989 (UK)
Employers have legal duty to protect the hearing of their employees. Hearing
protection must be available for workers exposed to 85 dB(A) and must be worn
if levels exceed 90 dB(A). Employers are responsible for performing risk
assessments for employees exposed to noise. This would include staff present
in the MR scan room during imaging.

EU DIRECTIVE 2003/10/EC
This directive becomes effective in the UK in 2006. Compared to the regulations
Report 05048: 3.0 T MRI systems - issue 2

above action levels will be reduced by 5 dB(A). Substitution and control of noisy
equipment must be prioritised above the use of hearing protection. There will be
an exposure limit of 87 dB taking into account the noise reduction afforded by
protective equipment.

59
Technical evaluation

Table 47 displays clinical pulse sequences designed to be run on all tested

systems to provide comparative information about acoustic noise. The acoustic
noise levels for these sequences are displayed in Table 48 and in Graph 22.
Acoustic noise levels are given in terms of the continuous equivalent level, LAeq
and the peak noise Lpeak. All values are on the A-weighted scale.

Table 47. Clinical pulse sequences for comparative acoustic noise

Flip
Pulse Sequence TE TR Matrix NSA FOV SW Slices
angle
SE 15 450 256×256 1 320 1 4 10
FSE (ETL = 4) 15 4000 256×256 1 320 1 4 10
GE (3D) 9 23 160×256 1 170 1 1 10
Single shot EPI 24 2000 128×128 32 230 1 5 10

Table 48. Acoustic noise levels for comparative pulse sequences

Pulse sequence with acoustic noise level dB(A)
System SE FSE 3DGE EPI
LAeq Lpeak LAeq Lpeak LAeq Lpeak LAeq Lpeak
GE-EXC* 101.9 115.1 98.8 116.8 110.9 123.0 102.7 119.1
PH-ACH† 83.9 96.7 83.3 101.4 103.7 112.4 108.6 119.2
SI-ALL 72.0 86.4 81.8 85.2 95.2 95.9 94.1 103.7
SI-TRI‡ 88.5 95.5 87.4 92.2 95.1 95.9 95.2 99.0
*For 3DGE sequence: TE=2.1ms; For single shot EPI sequence: NSA=30
†
For 3DGE: NSA=2; For EPI sequence: matrix=80x80.
‡
For FSE sequence: slice width=5; For 3DGE: slices=16; For EPI: TE=35ms, FOV=395

Graph 22. Acoustic noise levels for 3DGE sequences

SI-TRI
Report 05048: 3.0 T MRI systems - issue 2

SI-ALL
System

PH-ACH

GE-EXC

0 20 40 60 80 100 120
Continuous equivalent level, LAeq, db(A)

60
Technical evaluation

List of safety information

3 Tesla safety
MRI at 3 T falls into the controlled mode of operation (Guidelines for Magnetic
Resonance Diagnostic Equipment in Clinical Use: Medical Devices Agency
2002). This is because the clinically monitored upper level as defined by the
NRPB (1991) is between 2.5 T and 4 T. Pregnant women should not be
scanned above 2.5 T. Care should also be taken to ensure the safety of
implants, monitoring equipment and other devices since use at a lower field
strength cannot be taken as evidence of safety at 3 T.

General
Reference Manual for Magnetic Resonance Safety: F Shellock. Amirsys Inc,
Salt Lake City, 2003.

Magnetic Resonance Procedures Health Effects and Safety: F Shellock

Ed.CRC Press, Boca Raton, 2001.

UPMC MR Safety Web Site at www.radiology.upmc.edu/MRsafety

Institute of Magnetic Resonance Safety, Education and Research Web Site at

www.mrisafety.com.

Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency

Guidelines for Magnetic Resonance Diagnostic Equipment in Clinical Use:
Medical Devices Agency 2002.

MDA/2003/014 - Static MRI scanners with quench vent pipes.

MDA Safety Warning SN 2001 (27) – Programmable Hydrocephalus Shunts:

Risks of Reprogramming during MRI Procedures

Safety notice MDA SN 9517. Risk of burns to patients, with attached monitoring
Report 05048: 3.0 T MRI systems - issue 2

leads, undergoing MRI scan: Medical Devices Agency. July 1995.

Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency Adverse Incident

Reporting at www.medical-devices.gov.uk.

61
Technical evaluation

National Radiological Protection Board

NRPB: Advice on limiting exposure to electromagnetic fields (0-300 GHz)
Volume 15 Number 2 2004. www.nrpb.org.

NRPB Board Statement on “Principles for the protection of patients and

volunteers during clinical magnetic resonance diagnostic procedures” Volume 2
Number 1 1991.

ICNIRP: Guidelines for Limiting Exposure to Time-Varying Electric, Magnetic,

and Electromagnetic Fields (up to 300 GHz), Health Physics Vol. 74, No 4, pp
494-522, 1998. www.icnirp.de.

ICNIRP: Exposure to Static and Low Frequency Electromagnetic Fields,

Biological Effects and Health Consequences (0-100 kHz)- Review of the
Scientific Evidence and Health Consequences. J.H. Bernhardt, R. Matthes, A.
McKinlay, P. Vecchia, B. Veyret (eds.) International Commission on Non-
Ionizing Radiation Protection 2003, ISBN 3-934994-03-2. www.icnirp.de.

Other bodies
IEC 60601-2-33:2002 (Medical Electrical Equipment. Part 2. Particular
Requirements for Safety. Section 2.33 Specifications for Magnetic Resonance
Equipment for Medical Diagnosis). www.iec.ch

FDA Center for Devices and Radiological Health www.fda.gov/cdrh

NHS advice
Health Building Note 6, Supplement 1: Accommodation for Magnetic
Resonance Imaging. Produced by NHS Estates, published by HMSO PO Box
276, London SW8 5DT. ISBN 0113217307.

Health Building Note 6, Volume 3: Extremity and open MRI, magnetic shielding
and construction for radiation protection. Produced by NHS Estates, published
by HMSO PO Box 276, London SW8 5DT. ISBN 0113224869.
Report 05048: 3.0 T MRI systems - issue 2

Health Guidance Note: Magnetic Resonance Imaging. Produced by NHS

Estates, published by HMSO PO Box 276, London SW8 5DT. ISBN
0113220510.

‘Facilities for diagnostic imaging and interventional radiology’ Produced by NHS

Estates in 2001, published by HMSO PO Box 276, London SW8 5DT. ISBN
0113220000.

62
Acknowledgements

MagNET would like to acknowledge the support of GE, Philips and Siemens
Medical Solutions during these evaluations. In particular we would like to thank
Mr Ricardo Becerra, Mr John Johnson from GE, Mr Frans Donders, Dr
Elizabeth Moore from Philips, Dr Eckart Stetter, Dr Thorsten Speckner, Mr
Patrick Revell from Siemens, for their expert assistance during the technical
tests.
Report 05048: 3.0 T MRI systems - issue 2

63
References

Lerski R, De Wilde J, Boyce D, Ridgway J. (1998). “Quality-control in magnetic

resonance imaging” (IPEM report No. 80). York, UK, ISBN 0 904181 901

Dietrich O, Reeder SB, Reiser MF, Schoenberg SO, Proceedings of ISMRM, 7-

13 May 2005, Florida USA, Abstract No 158 “Influence of Parallel Imaging and
Other Reconstruction Techniques on the Measurement of Signal-To-Noise
Ratios”
Report 05048: 3.0 T MRI systems - issue 2

64
Appendix

Manufacturers’ comments
GE
The manufacturer had no additional comments
Philips
The manufacturer had no additional comments
Siemens
Comparative specifications
Key technical data (e.g. gradient strength and slew rate, image reconstruction speed) are based
on manufacturer information and are not cross-checked by MagNET applying independent
experimental procedures.
The reader of this document should be aware that some manufacturers define these
specifications in a different way making direct comparison invalid. Please note that Siemens
specifies gradient strength and gradient slew rate for each individual axis (and not as a vector
summation).
SNR-evaluation
Comparison of different SNR values acquired with not comparable loads are highly questionable.
The reader is advised to ask each manufacturer for SNR values obtained under clinical loading
conditions.
Spatial resolution
The MTF of a properly calibrated MRI system with 2D-spin single echo imaging is (in absence of
raw data filters) rectangular with a step from one to zero at pi/(nominal pixel size). To see this,
the analysis has to be performed on the complex image data prior to the application of the
magnitude operator [Steckner et al., Med. Phys. 21 (3), 1994 and examples provided therein].
The presented data are obtained from magnitude images. The differences of the calculated
values to the nominal pixel resolution may result from the applied magnitude operator on the
evaluated image and therefore probably will not represent a true resolution difference.
Parallel imaging SNR
Evaluation or comparison on images acquired using parallel imaging techniques requires to keep
in mind that the noise background is not uniform so the results are dependent on the ROI choice.

MagNET comment

MagNET recognises that the image noise can be spatially dependant in images acquired using
parallel imaging techniques. An average is taken from 5 ROIs placed on the image. The
technique used by MagNET has been shown to be robust for parallel imaging acquisitions, as
shown recently in ISMRM (Influence of Parallel Imaging and Other Reconstruction Techniques
Report 05048: 3.0 T MRI systems - issue 2

on the Measurement of Signal-To-Noise Ratios, Olaf Dietrich, Scott B. Reeder, Maximilian F.

Reiser, Stefan O. Schoenberg, Proceedings of ISMRM, 7-13 May 2005, Florida USA, Abstract
No 158)

2D and 3D imaging speed

Image reconstruction speed is specified for a true square 256x256 matrix, with 100% matrix and
100% FOV, i.e. for a true 256x256 data set (65,536 data points) without any data reductions. If in
doubt a written confirmation of data by the manufacturer may be advisable.
In the presented 2D-epi data within parallel imaging a pre-scan based on the same epi-technique
is acquired for all slices. This time is included in the presented measurement times and in the
calculated imaging speed values. The speed values are therefore not a measure for imaging
speed. For proper interpretation of the imaging speed when using epi-technique the repetition
time can be used as a time reference instead of the overall scan time. The latter includes the
duration of the epi-specific pre-scan. These pre-scans are not representative for non-epi 2D
imaging where the pre-scans are part of the imaging scan.
65
Appendix

2D imaging speed: sequence parameters

Table 49. Standard imaging protocol for 2D imaging speed evaluation
Sequence parameter Standard protocol
Gradient Echo (GRE), Echo Planar Imaging (EPI),
2D sequence
Fast Spin Echo (FSE)
TE (ms) Manufacturer’s choice
TR (ms) Manufacturer’s choice
Flip angle (degrees) Manufacturer’s choice
NSA Manufacturer’s choice
Bandwidth (kHz) Manufacturer’s choice
Echo Train Length (where applicable) Manufacturer’s choice
FOV (mm) 250
Matrix (PE x FE) 256 x 256
Slice width (mm) Less than 5 mm
Parallel imaging factors Selection (manufacturer’s choice)
Range (mm) I To equal 200
Contiguous slices II Maximise
Scan time (min:sec) III Minimise

Table 50. Scan parameters for 2D imaging speed evaluation on the GE MRI
system (Twinspeed HD gradients)
Sequence parameter Sequence parameter values
Imaging coil 8-channel high resolution brain coil
2D sequence 2D FGRE GRE-EPI FSE-XL
TE (ms) 1.6 113 57.4 3.3
TR (ms) 3.5 9300 4800 21000
Flip angle (degrees) 10 90 Not supplied
Report 05048: 3.0 T MRI systems - issue 2

NSA 1 1 1
Bandwidth (kHz) 200 Not measured 83.3
Echo Train Length Not applicable Not applicable 128
FOV (mm) 250 250 250
Matrix (PE x FE) 256 x 256 256 x 256 256 x 256
Slice width (mm) 5 5 4.2
Parallel imaging factors off 1.5 2.0 off 2.0 off 2.0
Range (mm) 200 200 201.6
Contiguous slices 40 40 48
Scan time (min:sec) 0:38 0:26 0:20 0:09 0:05 0:42 0:21

66
Appendix

Table 51. Scan parameters for 2D imaging speed evaluation on the Philips
Achieva MRI system (Quasar Dual gradients)
Sequence parameter Sequence parameter values
Imaging coil 8-channel SENSE head coil
2D sequence 2D-FFE FE-EPI 2D-TSE
TE (ms) 1.50 9.00 34.90
TR (ms) 119 1000 8100
Flip angle (degrees) 10 10 30
NSA 1 1 1
Bandwidth (kHz) Not measured Not measured Not measured
Echo Train Length Not applicable Not applicable Not measured
FOV (mm) 250 250 250
Matrix (PE x FE) 256 x 256 256 x 256 256 x 256
Slice width (mm) 5 5 2.09
Parallel imaging factors 1 2 4 8 1 2 4 8 1 2 8
Range (mm) 200 200 200
Contiguous slices 40 40 96
Scan time (min:sec) 0:30.8 0:15.3 0:07.6 0:04.0 0:21 0:12 0:08 0:06 2:09.6 1:04.8 0:16.2

Table 52. Scan parameters for 2D imaging speed evaluation on the

Siemens MAGNETOM Trio MRI system (Trio gradients)
Sequence parameter Sequence parameter values
Imaging coil 8-channel head coil
2D sequence 2D EPI
TE (ms) 145 75 40
TR (ms) 11370 5850 3060
Flip angle (degrees) 90
NSA 1
Bandwidth (kHz) Not measured
Report 05048: 3.0 T MRI systems - issue 2

Echo Train Length Not applicable

FOV (mm) 250
Matrix (PE x FE) 256 x 256
Slice width (mm) 5
Parallel imaging factors off 2 4
Range (mm) 200
Contiguous slices 40
Scan time (min:sec) 0:11.37 0:47 0:31

67
Appendix

3D imaging speed: sequence parameters

Table 53. Standard imaging protocol for 3D imaging speed evaluation
Sequence parameter Standard protocol
3D sequence Gradient Echo (GRE), Fast Spin Echo (FSE)
TE (ms) Manufacturer’s choice
TR (ms) Manufacturer’s choice
Flip angle (degrees) Manufacturer’s choice
NSA Manufacturer’s choice
Bandwidth (kHz) Manufacturer’s choice
Echo Train Length (where applicable) Manufacturer’s choice
FOV (mm) 250
Matrix (PE x FE) 128 x 128
Slice width (mm) Manufacturer’s choice
Parallel imaging factors Selection (manufacturer’s choice)
Range (mm) I To equal 200
Contiguous slices II Maximise
Scan time (min:sec) III Minimise

Table 54. Scan parameters for 3D imaging speed evaluation on the GE MRI
system (Twinspeed HD gradients)
Sequence parameter Sequence parameter values
Imaging coil 8-channel high resolution brain coil
3D sequence FSPGR FRFSE-XL
TE (ms) 0.9 17
TR (ms) 1.7 217
Flip angle (degrees) 10 Not measured
NSA 1 1
Report 05048: 3.0 T MRI systems - issue 2

Bandwidth (kHz) 125 125

Echo Train Length Not applicable 32
FOV (mm) 250 x 250 x 201.6 250 x 250 x 200
Matrix (PE x FE) 128 x 128 128 x 128
Slice width (mm) 1.6 2.5
Parallel imaging factors off 1.5 2.0 off 2
Range (mm) 201.6 200
Contiguous slices 126 80
Scan time (min:sec) 0:28 0:19 0:14 1:10 0:35

68
Appendix

Table 55. Scan parameters for 3D imaging speed evaluation on the Philips
Achieva MRI system (Quasar Dual gradients)
Sequence parameter Sequence parameter values
Imaging coil 8-channel SENSE head Coil
3D sequence 3D FFE 3D TSE
TE (ms) 0.83 51
TR (ms) 1.73 268
Flip angle (degrees) 10 30
NSA 1 1
Bandwidth (kHz) 329.97 329.97
Echo Train Length Not applicable 34
FOV (mm) 250 x 250 x 199.68 250 x 250 x 199.68
Matrix (PE x FE) 128 x 128 128 x 128
Slice width (mm) 1.56 1.56
Parallel imaging factors 1 2 4 8 off 2 4 8
Range (mm) 199.68 199.68
Contiguous slices 128 128
Scan time (min:sec) 0:28.4 0:14.9 0:07.4 0:03.7 1:44 0:36 0:18.8 0:10.2
Report 05048: 3.0 T MRI systems - issue 2

69
Appendix

Table 56. Scan parameters for 3D imaging speed evaluation on the

Siemens MAGNETOM Allegra MRI system (Allegra gradients)
Sequence parameter Sequence parameter values
Imaging coil 8-channel head coil
3D sequence 3D FLASH
TE (ms) 0.67
TR (ms) 1.70
Flip angle (degrees) 8
NSA 1
Bandwidth (kHz) Not measured
Echo Train Length Not applicable
FOV (mm) 250 x 250 x 200
Matrix (PE x FE) 128 x 128
Slice width (mm) 5
Parallel imaging factors off
Range (mm) 200
Contiguous slices 40
Scan time (min:sec) 0:0.7

Table 57. Scan parameters for 3D imaging speed evaluation on the

Siemens MAGNETOM Trio MRI system (Trio gradients)
Sequence parameter Sequence parameter values
Imaging coil 8-channel head coil
3D sequence 3D FLASH-CE
TE (ms) 0.67
TR (ms) 1.70
Flip angle (degrees) 5
NSA 1
Bandwidth (kHz) Not measured
Report 05048: 3.0 T MRI systems - issue 2

Echo Train Length Not applicable

FOV (mm) 250 x 250 x 200
Matrix (PE x FE) 128 x 128
Slice width (mm) 5
Parallel imaging factors off 2 4
Range (mm) 200
Contiguous slices 40
Scan time (min:sec) 0:0.7 0:03.7 0:02.4

70
Appendix

2D and 3D imaging speed results

Table 58. 2D imaging speed results (voxels/sec) for GRE-type sequences
Parallel imaging factor
System
off 1 2 4 6 8
Not Not Not Not
GE-EXC 68 985 131 072
applicable applicable applicable applicable
Not Not
PH-ACH 85 1112 171 336 344 926 655 360
measured measured
Not Not Not Not Not Not
SI-ALL
measured applicable measured measured measured applicable
Not Not Not Not Not Not
SI-TRI
measured applicable measured measured measured applicable

Table 59. 2D imaging speed results (voxels/sec) for EPI-type sequences

Parallel imaging factor
System
off 1 2 4 6 8
Not Not Not Not
GE-EXC 291 271 524 288
applicable applicable applicable applicable
Not Not
PH-ACH 124 830 218 453 327 680 436 907
measured measured
Not Not Not Not Not Not
SI-ALL
measured applicable measured measured measured applicable
230 558 Not 448 109 856 680 Not Not
SI-TRI
applicable measured applicable

Table 60. 2D imaging speed results (voxels/sec) for FSE-type sequences

Parallel imaging factor
System
off 1 2 4 6 8
Not Not Not Not
GE-EXC 74 898 149 797
applicable applicable applicable applicable
Report 05048: 3.0 T MRI systems - issue 2

Not Not
PH-ACH 37 131 48 545 97 090 388 361
measured measured
Not Not Not Not Not Not
SI-ALL
measured applicable measured measured measured applicable
Not Not Not Not Not Not
SI-TRI
measured applicable measured measured measured applicable

71
Appendix

Table 61. 3D imaging speed results (voxels/sec) for FSE-type sequences

Parallel imaging factor
System
off 1 2 4 6 8
Not Not Not Not
GE-EXC 18 725 37 449
applicable applicable applicable applicable
Not Not
PH-ACH 20 165 58 254 111 551 205 603
measured measured
Not Not Not Not Not Not
SI-ALL
measured applicable measured measured measured applicable
Not Not Not Not Not Not
SI-TRI
measured applicable measured measured measured applicable

Table 62. 3D imaging speed results (voxels/sec) for GRE-type sequences

Parallel imaging factor
System
off 1 2 4 6 8
Not Not Not Not
GE-EXC 73 728 147 456
applicable applicable applicable applicable
Not Not
PH-ACH 73 843 140 748 283 399 566 798
measured measured
93 356 Not Not Not Not Not
SI-ALL
applicable measured measured measured measured
93 623 Not 177 124 273 069 Not Not
SI-TRI
applicable measured applicable
Report 05048: 3.0 T MRI systems - issue 2

72
Appendix

Background information
MagNET
The assessment reported on the preceding pages was carried out by the
Magnetic resonance National Evaluation Team (MagNET) based at Imperial
College London. The project is supported by the Department of Health to
assess the imaging performance of commercially available clinical MR systems.
Resources from the National Health Service fund the project.

Manufacturer involvement
The choice of MR system to be evaluated is influenced by both new system
releases and customer demand. Both the user and clinical evaluations are
performed with the active participation of the manufacturer. The clinical sites are
chosen by MagNET from a short-list provided by the manufacturer. The
technical evaluation is carried out at a site agreed with the manufacturer, where
the performance of the system is within specification and is representative of
that model. Acknowledgement is made to the company for arranging and
supporting the examination of MR equipment. A copy of each report is sent to
the manufacturer of the equipment for comment before publication. These
comments are included in the published report.
Report 05048: 3.0 T MRI systems - issue 2

73
Appendix

Availability of other reports

Information on previous and future MR evaluation reports is given on the
MagNET website. This evaluation report is one of a series issued regularly by
the Department of Health. For information on reports from other modalities
contact the MHRA.

Contact details
MagNET
In addition to answering queries on the evaluation reports, MagNET can provide
advice on detailed specification, general MR technology, acceptance testing
and quality assurance.

MagNET
Department of Bioengineering
Bagrit Centre
Imperial College London
London SW7 2AZ

Tel: 020 7594 6306

Fax: 020 7594 6337

E-mail: [email protected]
Web page: http://www.magnet-mri.org/
Report 05048: 3.0 T MRI systems - issue 2

View publication stats

McRobbie - MRI From Picture To Proton, 3rd Ed
90% (10)
McRobbie - MRI From Picture To Proton, 3rd Ed
400 pages
3, HQ 0.35T Technical Brochure
100% (1)
3, HQ 0.35T Technical Brochure
10 pages
MRI Made Easy For Beginners 2nd Edition PDF
No ratings yet
MRI Made Easy For Beginners 2nd Edition PDF
274 pages
Magnetic Resonance Imaging - Physical and Biological Principles
100% (3)
Magnetic Resonance Imaging - Physical and Biological Principles
529 pages
GE MRI SIGNA 3T Catalog
100% (1)
GE MRI SIGNA 3T Catalog
20 pages
TBBrochueRAD10119GSecured11 2016
100% (1)
TBBrochueRAD10119GSecured11 2016
16 pages
Philips Allura Fd20 Cath Lab Quotation
No ratings yet
Philips Allura Fd20 Cath Lab Quotation
28 pages
All Open MRI 02 - 023T - Comparison - Report - 05097 - 2005
No ratings yet
All Open MRI 02 - 023T - Comparison - Report - 05097 - 2005
55 pages
NeuMR 1.5T Brochure
No ratings yet
NeuMR 1.5T Brochure
10 pages
MRI Basics
100% (1)
MRI Basics
129 pages
E-Smart V7 Specification F
No ratings yet
E-Smart V7 Specification F
23 pages
CT NAEOTOM Alpha EPD Brochure HOOD05162003373781
100% (1)
CT NAEOTOM Alpha EPD Brochure HOOD05162003373781
14 pages
MRT 1550 Vantage Orian Brochure MCAMR0143EA
100% (1)
MRT 1550 Vantage Orian Brochure MCAMR0143EA
19 pages
Vantage Titan 3T MRI
No ratings yet
Vantage Titan 3T MRI
20 pages
MAGNETOM Free - Max EN
No ratings yet
MAGNETOM Free - Max EN
19 pages
MRI of The Whole Body
100% (2)
MRI of The Whole Body
276 pages
Gehc Signa Voyager g2 Brochure
No ratings yet
Gehc Signa Voyager g2 Brochure
32 pages
Hs 40
No ratings yet
Hs 40
7 pages
Signa Pioneer
No ratings yet
Signa Pioneer
24 pages
1.5T MRI Systems, Issue 6. Comparative Report On Six MRI Systems.
No ratings yet
1.5T MRI Systems, Issue 6. Comparative Report On Six MRI Systems.
115 pages
Data Essenza D14a A91mr-410d-40-7600 20140326 1366
No ratings yet
Data Essenza D14a A91mr-410d-40-7600 20140326 1366
130 pages
SuperMark 1.5T System Specifications
No ratings yet
SuperMark 1.5T System Specifications
7 pages
Brochure Siemens AVANTO IClass
67% (3)
Brochure Siemens AVANTO IClass
13 pages
Folleto MRI Ovation - 035T
No ratings yet
Folleto MRI Ovation - 035T
11 pages
MRI Specifications
100% (1)
MRI Specifications
7 pages
Company Canon Canon Canon Ge Healthcge Healthcge Healthcge Healthcge Healthcneusoft Me
No ratings yet
Company Canon Canon Canon Ge Healthcge Healthcge Healthcge Healthcge Healthcneusoft Me
27 pages
Syngo MR E11 Neuro
No ratings yet
Syngo MR E11 Neuro
152 pages
Siemens Espree Brochure - Open and TIM 2 281 29
No ratings yet
Siemens Espree Brochure - Open and TIM 2 281 29
19 pages
Echelon SMART2
No ratings yet
Echelon SMART2
13 pages
MAGNETOM Free Max Brochure USA
No ratings yet
MAGNETOM Free Max Brochure USA
16 pages
Philips Sequence PDF
No ratings yet
Philips Sequence PDF
1 page
172 Preparation For Installation: On-Site Water Installation
100% (1)
172 Preparation For Installation: On-Site Water Installation
6 pages
Brochure ESSENZA en 05-2008
100% (2)
Brochure ESSENZA en 05-2008
20 pages
Siemens MRI MAGNETOM-World MR-Basics MRI-brochure English 1800000001924325
No ratings yet
Siemens MRI MAGNETOM-World MR-Basics MRI-brochure English 1800000001924325
46 pages
Ingenia 3T Omega HP
No ratings yet
Ingenia 3T Omega HP
24 pages
I.21.109 Sayan Samanta Presentation On PET CT
No ratings yet
I.21.109 Sayan Samanta Presentation On PET CT
20 pages
Refurbished Siemens Magnetom Essenza Mri Machine
No ratings yet
Refurbished Siemens Magnetom Essenza Mri Machine
130 pages
Small Footprint - Giant Steps.: MAGNETOM C! With Syngo MR C12
No ratings yet
Small Footprint - Giant Steps.: MAGNETOM C! With Syngo MR C12
20 pages
Siemens Somatom Sensation Cardiac A60 Users Manual 410406 PDF
No ratings yet
Siemens Somatom Sensation Cardiac A60 Users Manual 410406 PDF
128 pages
Data Sheet X Drs Mobile Pro 320
No ratings yet
Data Sheet X Drs Mobile Pro 320
4 pages
Inspection Report-Siemens Sensation 64
No ratings yet
Inspection Report-Siemens Sensation 64
3 pages
Cardiovascular MRI in Practice
100% (1)
Cardiovascular MRI in Practice
306 pages
Syllabus of Paramedical Courses PDF
No ratings yet
Syllabus of Paramedical Courses PDF
355 pages
Somatom Drive: System Owner Manual - Dosimetry and Imaging Performance Report
No ratings yet
Somatom Drive: System Owner Manual - Dosimetry and Imaging Performance Report
52 pages
Brochure Imaxeon Salient Dual
No ratings yet
Brochure Imaxeon Salient Dual
4 pages
Caring Design. Advanced Performance.: GE Healthcare
No ratings yet
Caring Design. Advanced Performance.: GE Healthcare
18 pages
OPENMARK 4000 Brochure-Re
No ratings yet
OPENMARK 4000 Brochure-Re
4 pages
MCACT0242EA Aquilion PRIME
No ratings yet
MCACT0242EA Aquilion PRIME
20 pages
Multi: Multislice Helical CT Scanner
No ratings yet
Multi: Multislice Helical CT Scanner
14 pages
Caring Design. Insightful Technology.: GE Healthcare
No ratings yet
Caring Design. Insightful Technology.: GE Healthcare
20 pages
MRI 1.5 Tesla: Signa Creator
No ratings yet
MRI 1.5 Tesla: Signa Creator
11 pages
Collins MR Physics and Hardware Review
100% (1)
Collins MR Physics and Hardware Review
62 pages
EBM 2018 - Head and Cancers
No ratings yet
EBM 2018 - Head and Cancers
136 pages
MAGNETOM Espree: The First Open Bore MR With
No ratings yet
MAGNETOM Espree: The First Open Bore MR With
85 pages
Siemens Symphony Protocol - MRI
0% (2)
Siemens Symphony Protocol - MRI
26 pages
SuperMark 1.5 Brochure-Re
No ratings yet
SuperMark 1.5 Brochure-Re
8 pages
MSK MRI Pulse Sequences
100% (3)
MSK MRI Pulse Sequences
62 pages
Spesifikasi MAGNETOM Aera
No ratings yet
Spesifikasi MAGNETOM Aera
6 pages
Ficha Tec Equipo 3T GE
No ratings yet
Ficha Tec Equipo 3T GE
24 pages
Speedia 170920
No ratings yet
Speedia 170920
7 pages
Esaote Dedicated-MRI-Factbook - 169004500MA - V04 - LR
No ratings yet
Esaote Dedicated-MRI-Factbook - 169004500MA - V04 - LR
12 pages
Espree I Class Korr3
No ratings yet
Espree I Class Korr3
22 pages
Siemens Safety Features
100% (1)
Siemens Safety Features
200 pages
My Summary in Radiology - A M Abodahab MD
100% (1)
My Summary in Radiology - A M Abodahab MD
387 pages
Echelon Smart
No ratings yet
Echelon Smart
5 pages
Canon Dicom Conformance Statement For Model TFS-01
No ratings yet
Canon Dicom Conformance Statement For Model TFS-01
73 pages
Magnetic Resonance Imaging: Lionel QUETTIER
100% (1)
Magnetic Resonance Imaging: Lionel QUETTIER
71 pages
3283-34673-Philips-Dameca MRI 508
No ratings yet
3283-34673-Philips-Dameca MRI 508
8 pages
MRI Acronyms
No ratings yet
MRI Acronyms
8 pages
Tip-Tv: Program Supplement CT: Cardiac Applications
No ratings yet
Tip-Tv: Program Supplement CT: Cardiac Applications
47 pages
MAGNETOM Symphony Tim Appl Packs
No ratings yet
MAGNETOM Symphony Tim Appl Packs
20 pages
RF Bandwidth
No ratings yet
RF Bandwidth
9 pages
Pattern Recognition Neuroradiology
No ratings yet
Pattern Recognition Neuroradiology
356 pages
MRI Syllabus For Paramedical
No ratings yet
MRI Syllabus For Paramedical
25 pages
Hybrid PICA Data Sheet
100% (1)
Hybrid PICA Data Sheet
13 pages
Hitachi Echelon 1.5T Product Data
No ratings yet
Hitachi Echelon 1.5T Product Data
12 pages
Evaluation and Diagnosis of Multiple Sclerosis in Adults - UpToDate
No ratings yet
Evaluation and Diagnosis of Multiple Sclerosis in Adults - UpToDate
45 pages
A Magnetic Resonance Imaging DEFINITION
No ratings yet
A Magnetic Resonance Imaging DEFINITION
22 pages
05 Degenerative - Demyelinating Diseases
No ratings yet
05 Degenerative - Demyelinating Diseases
26 pages
BrightViewX XCT Specs
No ratings yet
BrightViewX XCT Specs
6 pages
MRI 3 Quiz - Pulse Sequence Quiz
No ratings yet
MRI 3 Quiz - Pulse Sequence Quiz
8 pages
Instructions For Use: Nobelactive® Implant
No ratings yet
Instructions For Use: Nobelactive® Implant
3 pages
MRI The Basics Book Review
No ratings yet
MRI The Basics Book Review
1 page
BIOM9027
No ratings yet
BIOM9027
12 pages
Bhab 415
No ratings yet
Bhab 415
13 pages
Magnetic Resonance Imaging: Refined To Re-Find: Review Article
No ratings yet
Magnetic Resonance Imaging: Refined To Re-Find: Review Article
4 pages
Brain Perfusi Dengan Metode Arterial Spin Labeling (Asl) : Prosedur Pemeriksaan Magnetic Resonance Imaging (Mri)
No ratings yet
Brain Perfusi Dengan Metode Arterial Spin Labeling (Asl) : Prosedur Pemeriksaan Magnetic Resonance Imaging (Mri)
11 pages
Bancazo ENAM ESSALUD 2013 Parte 3 Villamedic PDF
No ratings yet
Bancazo ENAM ESSALUD 2013 Parte 3 Villamedic PDF
17 pages
Intrarater and Interrater Reliability of Quantitative Thigh Muscle Magnetic Resonance Imaging
No ratings yet
Intrarater and Interrater Reliability of Quantitative Thigh Muscle Magnetic Resonance Imaging
10 pages
Radiography: G. Ogunmefun, M. Hardy, S. Boynes
No ratings yet
Radiography: G. Ogunmefun, M. Hardy, S. Boynes
8 pages