MRI scans that are cheaper, and more widely accessible, could be a reality within the next few years thanks to the work of a University of Wollongong research team.
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The Institute for Superconducting and Electronic Materials (ISEM) team, led by Associate Professor Jung Ho Kim, has spent years developing a lower-cost and easy-to-operate MRI system.
PhD student Dipak Patel said the development of a cheaper machine would put the life-saving technology within reach of smaller hospitals in rural and regional Australia - as well as in developing countries.
Mr Patel said MRI, or magnetic resonance imaging, used magnetic fields and radio waves to provide a three-dimensional scan of body organs and sections of soft tissue.
"It is considered as one of the key diagnostic technologies to diagnose critical injuries and diseases such as brain injuries and tumours, ligament and tendon injury and spinal cord injury," he said.
"However MRI systems currently cost around $1 million to $2 million, as well as the ongoing operation and maintenance costs, so are out of the reach of most smaller hospitals - and most hospitals in developing countries.
"The price of the system is then passed on to patients and even in developed countries like Australia, scans are often only partially covered by government rebates, leaving people hundreds of dollars out of pocket."
Mr Patel said current MRI systems use a liquid helium cooling system for the magnet.
"Liquid helium ... costs around $20 per litre and each machine needs about 2000 litres of liquid, so if there's a power disruption or other problem it costs around $40,000 to refill," he said.
"So at ISEM we have developed a prototype for a new magnet as well as a cooling system that uses solid nitrogen ... around $2 per litre but also more stable and can stay cool for many hours even if there is a power disruption."
Mr Patel said if more health facilities could buy the machines, they would be more accessible to patients, driving costs down.
"Even in developing countries there can be long waiting lists for an MRI scan, but if more hospitals can afford it then more people can get it at an affordable rate and on time," he said. "As this kind of system is much more simplified than current models - it could even be portable so when there's an accident in a remote area it can be taken for predetermination of injuries before the patient gets to hospital."
Associate Professor Kim said after testing the prototype in the lab, the team would demonstrate how it could be mass-produced to meet the demands of MRI manufacturers.
"If we can get an industry partner we could take this to the next level in providing healthcare services for millions of people worldwide," he said.