Will Helium Shortages Affect MRI Access?

1
Will Helium Shortages Affect MRI Access?
www.atlantisworldwide.com
By Vikki Harmonay
2
Liquid helium is the coldest element on earthand
now in short supply. This is problematic since
liquid helium is used to keep MR magnets cool and
magnetic currents superconductive. As a rule, MR
systems require 2,000 liters of liquid helium for
cooling. But now, suppliers are curbing how
liquid helium is allocated. NBC News recently
reported that suppliers are providing liquid
helium to customers based on their respective
needs.
www.atlantisworldwide.com
3
Premier Inc. Regional Construction Manager Donna
Craft told NBC News, Helium is on allocation
now. Were probably not blowing up balloons in
the gift shop anymore. Premier Inc contracts
with helium suppliers for 4,000 hospitals. The
war in Ukraine has also impacted the supply of
liquid helium, as the United States has relied on
Russia to alleviate the burden of a tight
supply. Russia was to provide almost one-third
of the worlds helium with a new facility.
However, last January a fire halted production.
In addition, the war has stopped trade between
Russia and the U.S.
www.atlantisworldwide.com
4
Four out of five major helium suppliers are now
prioritizing healthcare providers due to the
vital need for MR imaging. Other less essential
customers are receiving reduced allotments of
liquid helium. In addition, the cost of liquid
helium has risen as much as 30 percent. GE
Healthcare Chief Marketing Officer for MR Ioannis
Panagiotelis says, Every industry and hospital
with an MR system has been affected. This is
especially alarming since radiology experts say
that 3D images are irreplaceable and rely on
liquid helium.
www.atlantisworldwide.com
5
Atlantis Worldwide is Here For You

• If you are looking for medical imaging equipment
  for your healthcare facility, talk to the experts
  at Atlantis Worldwide. Oftentimes a refurbished
  or used MRI, CT Scanner or other medical imaging
  system can provide the performance you want at a
  much lower cost. Plus, you still get the benefit
  of robust warranties.
• Contact Us Today!

www.atlantisworldwide.com
6
Some blogs you may have missed

• The Future of Helium MRIs
• MRI Cold Head Tips
• How Much Is Your MRI Worth?
• Solutions For MRI Coil Failure
• Should your business lease or buy medical imaging
  equipment?
• Free MRI Resources
• Meet the author Vikki Harmonay

www.atlantisworldwide.com
7
You can read this on our website
https//info.atlantisworldwide.com/blog/will-heliu
m-shortages-affect-mri-access
www.atlantisworldwide.com
8

• Contact Us

60 East 42nd Street, Suite 4600, New York, NY
10165 Phone [phone] Toll Free
1-800-533-3356 Fax [phone]
info_at_atlantisworldwide.com https//www.atlantisw
orldwide.com https//info.atlantisworldwide.com/b
log