Charlestown is now home to new state-of-the-art MRI technology that can complete full body scans in less than 10 minutes. 

The software is the first of its kind in the Hunter. 

Costing more than $1 million, the MAGNETOM Sola MRI system with Deep Resolve software is set to reduce time in the “tunnel” and cut through waitlisted appointments. 

Since welcoming the technology in January, PRP Diagnostic Imaging Hunter and Central Coast operations manager Mike Henderson says radiologist and patient feedback has been 100% positive. 

“The tunnel as it is often referred to, can be daunting for some patients because its traditionally 20 to 30 minutes of feeling confined, which is a shame because it’s a really effective modality,” he explains. 

“But, by installing this new software that uses AI to drastically reduce the scan times, we can scan a majority of examinations in less than 10 minutes, producing a more accurate image in around half the time.”

The benefits, Mike says, are two-fold. 

“We’re able to reduce the time our patients need to remain in the machine and we’re able to reduce waitlists because we can turnover appointments much quicker,” he adds. 

“For example, a knee scan can now be completed in less than ten minutes.” 

While the hardware has remained relatively unchanged over recent years, Mike says the software is rapidly being developed. 

“It’s amazing technology really,” he admits. 

“We’ve seen the time reduced but we’ve also seen an improvement in image quality, which was unexpected. 

“All the feedback has been positive.” 

An MRI, or Magnetic Resonance Imaging machine, works by using magnets to align molecules in the body allowing deeper images. 

“If you imagine it (MRI) is a really powerful magnet,” Mr Henderson explains. 

“When you go in there all the protons in your body are drawn to the magnetic field. 

“Radio frequency pulses disrupt their alignment.

“And, we’re also not using radiation, its magnetic fields. 

Operated by PRP Diagnostic Imaging, the MRI system was engineered and manufactured by international medical technology company Siemens Healthineers.  

The new system has the potential to benefit more than 150 patients each week, including those requiring neurology, cardiology, sports injury and musculoskeletal imaging.   

“We have the capacity to scan 50 patients per day,” Mr Henderson says, “In the past it was 30.” 

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