GE Signa LX 1.5T MRI operator manual procedures brought to you by MEDICALIMAGINGSOURCE.COM. This page is updated as content is published. Check back often for a growing library of resources.
The GE Signa LX 1.5T MRI (9x software version) made its debut in the diagnostic imaging market during the late 1990’s. It was the first generation of GE MRI scanners to feature a multicoil scan option with up to 4 channel scan data receive capabilities.
The original design features a Silicon Graphics Octane computer presented on a high definition 19” LCD monitor. The newly designed operator workspace gives the MRI technologist full control of scan interface options to allow for seamless scanning. The MRI equipment room stores the analog RF Amplifier, SGA Gradient Assembly and a Compact PDU assembly.
GE Signa LX models include upgraded features such as SGI Octane 2 computer with fiber optic Bit3 communications between the host computer and equipment room.
The SGA gradient assembly can be upgraded to an ACGD gradient platform. The analog RF amplifier can be upgraded to a Erbtec 20 kw RF deck. The GE Signa LX 1.5 T MRI scanner has been in clinical use for over 25 years and continues to reliably provide detailed images of the anatomy to patients all around the world. The magnet design allows for easy MRI upgrades without needing to replace the magnet, so you can ensure the GE Signa LX base models will continue to benefit the lives of patients for many more years to come.
Modality: MRI Magnet Strength: 1.5T Receiver Channels: 4 ch Bore Width: 60cm Maximum Patient Weight: 300lbs. Gradient Type: SGA Amplifier RF Subsystem: SRFD2 Coldhead Compressor: CSW-170D Coldhead Type: Sumitomo RDK-408 Power Requirements: 480v, 3-phase Operating Frequency: 63.8 MHz Magnet Type: C-series, S-series, and LCC CX4K
Software Options: Echo Planar Imaging Fast Gradient, Echo Time of Flight, Phase Contrast Vascular, SGD echospeed package, SR120, Diffusion Weighted Imaging, EPI Flair, EPI Special Smart Prep, SSFSE, 3 Plane Localizer, FSE XL, Perfusion, I-Drive ,Smartprep 2000, Functool 2, Voxtools, IVI, Clairview, T1 Breathhold, MRCP 3, Modality Worklist, Functool
Standard and Optional MRI Coils: 1.5T GE Standard Head Coil, 1.5T NV (Neurovascular) Array Coil, 1.5T T/R Quadknee coil, 1.5T Breast Array Coil, 1.5T Large shoulder Coil, 1.5T Small Shoulder Coil, 1.5T CTL (Spine) Coil, 1.5T Torso Array Coil, 1.5T GP Flex Coil, 1.5T High Res Wrist Coil, 1.5T TMJ Coil (Optional)
This page is updated as content is published. Check back often for a growing library of radiology resources.
How to Power On GE MRI (Article): https://www.medicalimagingsource.com/turn-on-ge-mri/ (Video): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5_YMVv5xirs
GE MRI Shut Down Procedure (Video): https://youtu.be/etqCVWIhDKQ
GE MRI TPS Reset Procedure (Article): https://www.medicalimagingsource.com/ge-mri-tps-reset/ (Video): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=frdtnoak4ys
How to View GE MRI Error Log (Video): https://youtu.be/XJSCvRD_xv4
Before scanning patients, perform a QA scan to make sure the system is functioning correctly. Perform Daily QA procedure and the Head Coil QA procedure to ensure optimum image quality. Both procedures make use of the QA phantom. Run both QA procedures after positioning the phantom. Create a protocol procedure for faster workflow.
| Patient Position | Patient Entry: Head First Patient Position: Supine Landmark: Other Coil: Head |
| Image Parameters | Plane: Axial Mode: 2D PSD: SE |
| Scan Time | TE: 20 TR: 200 |
| Scan Range | FOV: 24 Slice Thickness: 10 Spacing: 10 Start: 50 End: 50 |
| Acq. Time | Phase: 256 Frequency: 256 NEX: 1 Center Frequency: Peak |
Scroll through the daily QA images and verify images are free of artifact. Contact your service engineer if you notice a degradation of image quality.
After completing the Daily QA procedure, continue with the Head Coil QA procedure.
| Patient Position | Patient Entry: Head first Patient Position: Supine Landmark: Other Coil: Head Series Description: Head coil QA |
| Image Parameters | Plane: Axial Mode: 2D PSD: SE |
| Scan Time | TE: 25 TR: 300 |
| Scan Range | FOV: 24 Slice Thickness: 3 Spacing: 1.5 Start: 0 End: 0 |
| Acq. Time | Phase: 256 Frequency: 256 NEX: 2 Center Frequency: Peak |
Scroll through the daily QA images and verify images are free of artifact. Contact your service engineer if you notice a degradation of image quality.
The GE Signa LX 1.5T MRI system is designed to operate in two imaging modes, whole body and zoom.
The TwinSpeed Resonance Module (TRM) is comprised of two actively shielded gradient coils and has a diameter of 60 cm. This module offers versatile imaging capabilities, with one gradient coil dedicated to whole-body imaging and the other optimized for smaller field of view (FOV) advanced applications. In the Zoom gradient mode, a single coil is active during a pulse sequence, making it ideal for small FOV applications. Conversely, the Whole Body gradient mode activates a single coil for large FOV applications. During scan prescription, you have the flexibility to select the active imaging mode between sequences.
The Whole Body mode is primarily used for conventional MRI sequences: Spin Echo (SE), Fast Spin Echo
(FSE), Gradient Echo (GRE), and multi-shot Echo Planar Imaging (EPI). Zoom mode is specifically designed for imaging small field of views (FOVs) and utilizes pulse sequences such as SE, FSE, and GRE to acquire thin slices. It boasts higher gradient amplitude and slew rate specifications, making it ideal for advanced neurovascular and cardiovascular applications. Zoom mode is primarily used in pulse sequences such as EPI, DWI EPI, Spiral, and FGRE to achieve excellent imaging results in these areas.
The Signa LX 1.5T MRI Twinspeed upgrade is a cutting-edge whole-body scanner designed for faster scan times, revolutionizing diagnostic imaging. It produces high-resolution transverse, sagittal, coronal, and oblique images of the head and body, reflecting the spatial distribution of protons exhibiting magnetic resonance. The system’s NMR properties, including proton density, spin-lattice relaxation time (T1), spin-spin relaxation time (T2), and flow, determine the image appearance. These images provide valuable information for accurate diagnoses when interpreted by trained physicians, enhancing efficiency and patient care.
The Grad Mode text box in the Imaging Parameters area allows you to toggle between Zoom or Whole Body modes, enabling you to choose the appropriate mode for each specific application. Once the gradient mode is selected, the system automatically calculates the available range of echo time (TE), repetition time (TR), slice widths, and pixel sizes (FOV and matrix combinations) based on gradient specifications, thermal model of the gradient coil, specific absorption rate (SAR) models, dB/dt requirements, and the thermal model of the Advanced Control Gradient Driver (ACGD).
Advancements in gradient strength have revolutionized Diffusion Echo Planar Imaging (Diff EPI), pushing its sensitivities beyond the conventional limits. By harnessing increased gradient strength, Diff EPI can now achieve B-values up to an impressive 7000 s/mm², surpassing the previous standard of 1000 s/mm². This significant upgrade offers exciting possibilities in the field of medical imaging, particularly in the realm of diffusion weighting.
The realm of medical imaging is constantly evolving, and the Fast Imaging Employing STeady-state Acquisition (FIESTA) pulse sequence stands as a remarkable advancement. This fully balanced steady-state coherent imaging technique is specifically engineered to generate high signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) images within incredibly short sequence times (TR).
3-plane localizer allows you to define slices and SAT bands while simultaneously visualizing their precise locations across three image planes. By utilizing one image from each plane alongside graphic prescription techniques, you can easily prescribe on any image from the localizing series.
During 3-Plane GRx, you have access to a range of capabilities to customize your imaging parameters.
Please note that while 3-Plane GRx is available with all scan planes, its behavior may vary depending on the specific scan plane prescribed.
Time needed: 2 minutes
How to Prescribe 3-plane Localizer (Single and Multi-group Locations)
To adjust imaging parameters, choose a pre-defined value or enter your own in the text box. Use the scroll arrows to increase or decrease the selected value in 2 cm steps. Ensure that the area of anatomy you intend to image is adequately covered within the field of view. Keep in mind that anatomy outside the FOV in the phase direction can result in aliasing, compromising the image quality.
Enter custom calue or select one of the predefined values in the text box. Alternatively, increase or decrease in 1 mm increments using the scroll arrows.
To minimize cross-talk, select a spacing that is typically 20% of the slice thickness. Cross-talk occurs when adjacent slices are partially excited during RF excitation and refocusing, leading to decreased image contrast and signal-to-noise ratio (SNR). To mitigate these effects, consider options such as using Interleave (which doubles the scan time), opting for a larger interscan spacing, or switching to a 3D technique. Adjust the spacing value by choosing a pre-defined value or entering your own in the text box, using the scroll arrows to increment or decrement in 1 mm steps.
Displays 3-plane viewer window.
If necessary, click on Select Series to choose a different series. Select desired series from the patient archive, then click OK.
Click Copy if you desire to copy a prescription from a previous series that was scanned in the same plane, mode, FOV, slice thickness and spacing.
Magnify the image using the Zoom slider, if necessary.
Press Shift and click image in desired viewport to deposit the start location.
Click the Add handle and drag the cursor to the desired end location and release
Press Shift and click image to add another group to the prescription. Repeat steps 8 and 9 as necessary.
Enter new values in the corresponding text boxes to adjust the FOV, spacing, slice thickness, and phase FOV, if necessary.
Adjust the number of slices, rotation, and start and end locations in any
of the three viewports.
If necessary, move to desired center location and click Reset Center.
Accepts prescriptions settings and closes the 3 plane viewer window. Once you have accepted the prescription, you cannot make additional changes to the scanning range.
Note the start, end, and center locations and number of slices. Values appear on the lower right of the screen.
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