URBANA – Carle Clinic Radiology will receive a new top of the line General Electric 1.5 Tesla magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scanner today. The high field MRI, which weighs 19,000 pounds, is leading edge in design and operation, providing clearer image quality that will further enhance radiologists’ ability to diagnose patients.

“The 1.5T uses less electricity, takes up less space and provides five times the performance over previous generations,” said Joseph Barkmeier, MD, head of Carle Clinic Radiology. “Not only is the system quieter, it’s also faster – it takes less time to scan one patient, which increases our capacity to see more patients. “

A crane will be required to move the MRI into the building between Carle Cancer Center and South Clinic after 5 p.m. Thursday, September 10. Patients may park in the South Garage but will need to exit Carle Cancer Center and walk outside to the South Clinic entrance to access South and North Clinics. 

To learn more about the GE 1.5 Tesla MRI or to arrange a photo opportunity, contact Sean Williams, public relations specialist, at (217) 383-7508.