Equipment installation in a hospital or medical office is a complex undertaking. This is especially true for diagnostic medical imaging equipment, due to its bulky yet delicate nature. Whether you’re investing in a new C-arm or X-ray machine or moving your practice into a new location, one of your first steps is determining the amount of space your equipment and workflow requires.
Different medical specialties use X-ray imaging equipment in various ways – and your specific needs will help you decide how much room you’ll need. For example, an urgent care will need a different imaging equipment layout than an orthopedic specialist who sees a lot of patients with mobility issues.
As your partner in improving patient outcomes – and an experienced provider of high-quality medical imaging equipment – Imperial Imaging wants to help you make the best decisions for your practice. We put together this information to guide you through the process of figuring out how much space you’ll need for your medical imaging equipment – be it computed tomography (CT), X-ray, MRI, ultrasound, mammography or another modality option.
Factors That Impact Space Requirements
You need to consider more than simple square footage when planning your medical equipment installation. That’s because medical diagnostic imaging equipment isn’t the same as furniture that remains static after you put it in a room. Let’s look at four main factors to keep in mind as you determine the space requirements for yours:
1. Type of Diagnostic Medical Imaging Equipment
Different types of equipment have different footprints, so start calculating room space by thinking about the type of imaging equipment your practice requires. For example, there are several types of fixed position or single detector X-ray machines (Konica KDR as an example) designed with compact profiles and wall or floor mount options that can fit into small rooms. On the other hand, radiographic fluoroscopic (R/F) machines used in the hospital require a much larger space.
2. Layout of the Room
The room that will house your diagnostic equipment will vary in size and shape depending on your architecture and the type of modality you are incorporating into your practice. Ultrasound and X-Ray will require less square footage than a CT or MRI suite. In reality, many imaging rooms include windows, multiple doors and built-in cabinetry that limit your layout possibilities. As we help you go about selecting the best X-ray fit for your facility, we take into consideration these potential challenges and measure accordingly.
You may also consider the possibility of using your X-ray room for multiple purposes. If your patients require relatively few imaging services or you rely mostly on compact diagnostic equipment like an ultrasound machine, the space can serve as an examination room when not needed for imaging. This effectively ups the ROI on your square footage.
3. Operator Safety and Access
No matter what kind of diagnostic medical equipment you choose, a human being is going to operate it. Their safety and ease of access should be paramount when configuring the space for the equipment. For example, X-ray machines require a separate space that is reinforced by lead shielding to protect the operator from radiation during the imaging procedure. Similarly, an MRI suite includes a control room where the operator can monitor the patient and machine while the scanning takes place.
4. Patient Access
It’s always important to remember that the goal of diagnostic medical imaging equipment is to help patients get or stay healthy. If the patient can’t comfortably get into position on or near the equipment, the operator cannot obtain useful imaging – and the physician has no information to help make a diagnosis. Whether you’re accommodating people in wheelchairs, stretchers, or standard walk-in/walk-out patients, your imaging equipment layouts must include ample room for access.
Regulatory and Practical Considerations
Another element of medical office or hospital equipment installation is adhering to your state’s regulations. These can cover everything from radiation output of X-ray machines to the barriers in place for operator protection to other safety considerations. Contact your state’s health department for specific regulations related to your practice. Our team of Imaging Consultants are available to help answer these specific questions and point you in the right direction.
Other practical considerations include:
Electrical Configuration
Is the incoming power in your building single or three phase? What voltage (208-480)? Is it connected to a dedicated circuit or does it share amperage with other equipment? Whether you’re upgrading to more effective imaging equipment or installing a new X-ray machine, you need to make sure the power source and electrical configuration is appropriate and up to code. Not sure about your wiring? Imperial Imaging service can help you figure it out.
Software Installation
Is your new diagnostic imaging equipment compatible with the software your team already knows and loves? Software may not seem like vital medical or hospital equipment supplies, but accessing the images you capture is crucial to streamlining the workflow in your practice. It can be quite difficult to address software incompatibility after an instrument is installed, so make sure you discuss it with your Imperial Imaging partner ahead of time.
Diagnostic Medical Imaging Equipment at Imperial
Imperial Imaging is your partner for diagnostic imaging equipment that improves patient outcomes, team workflows and your bottom line. We bring you high-quality brand names that deliver reliability, affordability and scalability. Check out our full line of diagnostic medical imaging equipment:
CT
Computed tomography allows healthcare providers to see detailed images of hard and soft internal tissues. Imperial Imaging brings you top-quality CT systems from brands you already know, like Siemens, GE and CurveBeam – as well as training for your team.
Mammography
Treat your female patients to the royal treatment with Imperial Imaging’s mammography equipment that reduces stress and discomfort around this life-saving diagnostic exam. We source only the best new and refurbished machines, so you can rely on fast, efficient and accurate results.
MRI
Medical resonance imaging gives doctors detailed images of internal organs and systems without the need for invasive procedures. The MRI systems available at Imperial include top-of-the-line options for full-body and extremity imaging in a variety of footprints to accommodate a range of space limitations.
Ultrasound
Take your practice further with portable ultrasound equipment designed for versatility. Imperial Imaging sources high-quality options – packaged with or without adjustable height mobile carts – from top-tier brands like Siemens and Konica. This diagnostic medical imaging equipment makes space-saving a snap for both small offices and large practices that prize mobility between multiple exam rooms.
X-Ray
We stock a full complement of office and hospital X-ray machine options to accommodate nearly any amount of space. Find portable X-ray machines that allow easy mobility, extended battery life, and tech friendly options for more efficient and comfortable imaging. You’ll also find cutting-edge Digital Dynamic Radiology technology options that give physicians a whole new way of diagnosing symptoms. Plus, we carry floor-mounted, overhead tube crane, straight-arm, U-arm and radiography fluoroscopy (r/f) selections, as well as a variety of digital radiography panels to amplify your hospital equipment supplies.
Get the Royal Treatment From Your Imaging Equipment Vendor
At Imperial Imaging, it’s not about us. It’s about you – your workflows, your team, your patients. We’re dedicated to connecting you with the best diagnostic medical imaging equipment for your needs and the reliable service and training that keeps your practice humming. Contact us today to get the royal treatment for your imaging equipment installation!