Genesis Magnet Services has introduced its ColdTRAC(sm) management system, a highly sophisticated MRI monitoring technology, with specific attention to the cryo and shield coolers. The new service was announced at RSNA and brings a "cryogen guarantee" to the customer should it not alert the user to a failure incident.

ColdTRAC is a remote magnet monitoring system for MRI scanners. The system includes specialized hardware and software from Genesis Magnet Services for around-the-clock monitoring. It is a pro-active alert system that remotely monitors critical magnet parameters to detect cryogen loss in time to intervene and prevent problems.

Today's new 4K magnet technologies require less helium top-off but also demand more careful monitoring of the critical systems that keep an MRI magnet cold and operational. For example, MRI systems demand continual power to auxillary equipment such as the compressor and water chiller.
"When 4K technology first came out, customers thought, 'we don't have to look at this as much.' But they soon found that this new technology required immediate response to problems even though they didn't have to look at cryogen levels every day," explained David Baldwin, owner of Genesis Magnet Services. He noted that older MRIs could be shut down for several days and experience only a small drop in the level of helium that keeps the magnet cold. "With today's technology, when it's working it's perfect but when it's down, it becomes even more crucial to respond in a quick time frame."

Upstream, Upfront Monitoring

COLDTrac's 24-hour monitoring provides a warning in time to respond before it becomes critical.

"Here's a typical scenario most sites have encountered: The site experiences a power outage or chiller failure," said Robert A. Hoffman, General Sales Manager. "If that happens on a Friday afternoon or over the weekend while the site is unmanned, you could potentially lose all of the helium and quench the magnet before the first patient arrives on Monday morning. COLDTrac will alert you by calling, paging, or emailing up to 26 individuals to respond to the problem or failure immediately."

COLDTrac uses independent and back-up power to monitor the compressor power, chiller temperature, magnet vessel pressure, and chiller water flow. When any parameters move outside their set thresholds, GMS's customer service and any other desired personnel are contacted.

"We are one of the only companies able to monitor that far upstream for notifying or being alerted to a potential problem with the cryo-shielding system," Baldwin said. "We are that confident with this technology that we are offering a 'no loss guarantee' to any customer that chooses GMS and our COLDTrac management system."

About Genesis Magnet Services:

Genesis Magnet Services is an industry leader in providing superior MR cryo-shielding components, MRI remote monitoring technology, and magnet cryorefrigeration services globally. Visit their website at www.genesismagnet.com.

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