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GE Signa LX 1.5T MRI Operator Manual (9x)

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.

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Table of Contents
  1. GE Signa LX 1.5T Features
    1. GE Signa LX MRI Scanner Design
    2. GE Signa LX 1.5T Upgrades
    3. GE Signa LX 1.5T MRI Specifications
  2. Technologist Procedures – GE Signa LX 1.5T MRI
    1. GE MRI Power On Procedure
    2. Shut Down Procedure
    3. TPS Reset (MRI)
    4. View Message Log (Error Log)
    5. Quality Assurance (QA) Procedures
    6. How To check MRI liquid helium levels (link)
  3. New Features
    1. Twinspeed (Zoom) Imaging
    2. Echo Planar Imaging Sequence (EPI)
    3. 3D FIESTA Pulse Sequence
  4. Prescribing Images
    1. 3-plane localizer basics
    2. Fast Spin Echo (FSE)
  5. Conclusion
    1. Additional Resources

GE Signa LX 1.5T Features

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.

GE Signa LX MRI Scanner Design

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 1.5T Upgrades

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.

GE Signa LX 1.5T MRI Specifications

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)

ge signa lx mri operator manual procedures scanner parts and accessories

Technologist Procedures – GE Signa LX 1.5T MRI

This page is updated as content is published. Check back often for a growing library of radiology resources.

GE MRI Power On Procedure

How to Power On GE MRI (Article): https://www.medicalimagingsource.com/turn-on-ge-mri/ (Video): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5_YMVv5xirs

Shut Down Procedure

GE MRI Shut Down Procedure (Video): https://youtu.be/etqCVWIhDKQ

TPS Reset (MRI)

GE MRI TPS Reset Procedure (Article): https://www.medicalimagingsource.com/ge-mri-tps-reset/ (Video): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=frdtnoak4ys

View Message Log (Error Log)

How to View GE MRI Error Log (Video): https://youtu.be/XJSCvRD_xv4

Quality Assurance (QA) Procedures

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.

GE Signa LX MRI Daily QA Protocol

Patient PositionPatient Entry: Head First
Patient Position: Supine
Landmark: Other
Coil: Head
Image ParametersPlane: Axial
Mode: 2D
PSD: SE
Scan TimeTE: 20
TR: 200
Scan
Range		FOV: 24
Slice Thickness: 10
Spacing: 10
Start: 50
End: 50
Acq. TimePhase: 256
Frequency: 256
NEX: 1
Center Frequency: Peak
GE Signa LX MRI Daily QA Procedure
  1. Click [New Patient].
  2. Enter the following: Patient ID = Profile, Weight = 100, and any other tracking data required by your site.
  3. Position the QA in the head coil base. Ensure phantom is level and is seated in all the way.
  4. Slide the head coil over the phantom. The axial black line on the phantom should line up with the top as you slide the head coil cover over it.
  5. Press Laser Alignment Light.
  6. Press In Slow to center the alignment light over the axial line on the phantom.
  7. Press the Landmark Button.
  8. Press Move To Scan to move the coil and phantom to magnet isocenter.
  9. Return to the operator workspace and enter the protocol listed below.
  10. Click [Save Series].
  11. Click [Auto Prescan]. Once scan is completed, record R1, R2, and TG and center frequency (AX) values. This can useful tracking information for troubleshooting image quality issues.
  12. Click [Scan].
  13. Perform another scan in the coronal and sagittal plane. (Record values, similar to step 11).

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.

Head Coil QA Procedure

After completing the Daily QA procedure, continue with the Head Coil QA procedure.

Head Coil QA Protocol
Patient PositionPatient Entry: Head first
Patient Position: Supine
Landmark: Other
Coil: Head
Series Description: Head coil QA
Image ParametersPlane: Axial
Mode: 2D
PSD: SE
Scan TimeTE: 25
TR: 300
Scan RangeFOV: 24
Slice Thickness: 3
Spacing: 1.5
Start: 0
End: 0
Acq. TimePhase: 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.

How To check MRI liquid helium levels (link)

New Features

The GE Signa LX 1.5T MRI system is designed to operate in two imaging modes, whole body and zoom.

Twinspeed (Zoom) Imaging

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.

How to select Whole or Zoom Mode

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).

Echo Planar Imaging Sequence (EPI)

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.

3D FIESTA Pulse Sequence

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).

Prescribing Images

3-plane localizer basics

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.

  • Utilize the List Select window to load localizer images into the viewports.
  • Effortlessly create different slice groups, including parallel, oblique, radial, 2D, 3D, Tracker, and SAT.
  • Modify the number of slices or slabs to fit your requirements and easily operate on different slice groups by editing, deleting, rotating, or resizing them.
  • Increase or decrease the number of slices or slabs
  • Save your 3-Plane GRx prescription as a protocol for future use.

Please note that while 3-Plane GRx is available with all scan planes, its behavior may vary depending on the specific scan plane prescribed.

3-Plane Localizer Procedure

Time needed: 2 minutes

How to Prescribe 3-plane Localizer (Single and Multi-group Locations)

  1. Enter FOV (in cm)

    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.

  2. Enter Slice Thickness (in mm)

    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.

  3. Enter Slice Spacing (in mm)

    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.

  4. Click GraphicRx Icon

    Displays 3-plane viewer window.

  5. Select Desired Image for Localizer

    If necessary, click on Select Series to choose a different series. Select desired series from the patient archive, then click OK.

  6. Click Copy

    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.

  7. Magnify the image

    Magnify the image using the Zoom slider, if necessary.

  8. Shift+(click) to set Start and End locations.

    Press Shift and click image in desired viewport to deposit the start location.

  9. Add Handle

    Click the Add handle and drag the cursor to the desired end location and release

  10. Shift+(click) on Image to Add Another Group

    Press Shift and click image to add another group to the prescription. Repeat steps 8 and 9 as necessary.

  11. Adjust Imaging Parameters

    Enter new values in the corresponding text boxes to adjust the FOV, spacing, slice thickness, and phase FOV, if necessary.

  12. Adjust Slices

    Adjust the number of slices, rotation, and start and end locations in any
    of the three viewports.

  13. Reset Center, If necessary

    If necessary, move to desired center location and click Reset Center.

  14. Click Accept

    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.

  15. Note Start, End, and Slice Locations

    Note the start, end, and center locations and number of slices. Values appear on the lower right of the screen.

Fast Spin Echo (FSE)

Conclusion

GE Signa LX 1.5T operator manual procedures are part of our growing library of radiology resources. New content added daily to help keep your GE MRI scanning reliably. Additional GE MRI technologist resources available below.

Additional Resources

Resource Library available at https://www.medicalimagingsource.com/blog/ or see related articles below.

The MRIPETCTSOURCE YouTube channel features a a growing library of videos, check out our MRI playlist below:

https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLtf-HQ_b5QfEsi9Gg_yjaWlbRXcIFPGDz

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