PET/MR Part 1: Establishing a PET/MR Facility

Abstract

The emergence of position emission tomography (PET) and magnetic resonance (MR) imaging as a hybrid modality has generated widespread interest in the technology and techniques. While adoption and utilization is unlikely to be as expansive as PET and computed tomography (CT) hybrid systems, PET/MR is an important modality that requires a broad insight for nuclear medicine professions generally, and deeper insights for those engaged in PET/MR practice. This manuscript provides an insight into the considerations and challenges associated with establishing a PET/MR facility. Each clinical site will present unique requisites for establishing a PET/MR facility and, indeed, each PET/MR vendor will have specific site requirements. Nonetheless, this manuscript provides a general insight into common considerations but should not be considered exhaustive. Here development of the facility, staffing of the facility, and implications of both radiation and MR safety are considered from the context of facility design. Given the nature of PET is well established amongst the readership of this journal, the manuscript provides an emphasis on MR factors. This manuscript is the first in a four-part integrated series sponsored by the SNMMI-TS PET/MR Task Force in conjunction with the SNMMI-TS Publication Committee. In subsequent editions, PET/MR will be explored based on technology principles (part 2), protocols and procedures (part 3), and applications and clinical cases (part 4).