Radiolucent Non Magnetic Stretcher with 5 Inches Caster Diameter and 24 Inches

Function: The MRI Stretcher with Radiation Shield is designed for patients undergoing MRI following a nuclear medicine procedure (e.g., PET/MRI, or MRI after a radioactive tracer injection). These patients emit low levels of ionizing radiation from the tracer, and while the levels are safe for the patient, staff exposure should be minimized using the ALARA (As Low As Reasonably Achievable) principle. This stretcher incorporates a lead-impregnated vinyl shield that attaches to the underside of the deck, absorbing a portion of the gamma radiation emitted from the patient. The shield is 0.5 mm lead-equivalent, reducing exposure by approximately 90 percent at typical PET tracer energies (511 keV). The shield is removable for cleaning and can be replaced if damaged. The stretcher also includes a radiation dosimeter holder (non-magnetic) that secures a staff dosimeter to the push handle, allowing monitoring of cumulative exposure.

Application: This stretcher is essential for PET/MRI facilities or any MRI department that performs scans on patients who have recently received radioactive tracers. Patients may come from nuclear medicine departments with residual tracer activity, and transporting them on a standard stretcher exposes staff to unnecessary radiation. The lead shield significantly reduces staff exposure during transport and positioning, without requiring staff to wear heavy lead aprons. The stretcher is also used for patients undergoing MRI-guided radiation therapy planning, where the patient may have fiducial markers or radioactive seeds in place. The shield is positioned under the patient, so it does not interfere with MRI imaging (the lead is outside the field of view for most scans). For whole-body scans where the shield might be in the field of view, the shield can be quickly removed.

Frame:

aluminum alloy 6061.

Deck:

radiolucent carbon-fiber-reinforced polymer, 78 inches x 24 inches.

Radiation shield:

lead-impregnated vinyl, 0.5 mm lead-equivalent, 72 inches x 22 inches x 0.1 inches thick.

Shield weight:

12 lb.

Shield attachment:

snaps onto the underside of the deck via 12 plastic clips (tool-free removal).

Shield flexibility:

flexible and can be rolled for storage.

Dosimeter holder:

polycarbonate clip that attaches to the push handle, holds a standard staff dosimeter (not included).

Deck height:

adjustable 22 to 32 inches via non-magnetic hydraulics.

Casters:

four 6-inch swivel casters with total-lock brakes, ceramic bearings, conductive rubber treads.

Push handles:

rubberized over brass core, one at each end.

Weight capacity:

400 lb (shield adds 12 lb, reducing effective capacity to 388 lb – still sufficient for most patients).

Weight of stretcher without shield:

82 lb.

Foldable:

no.

Included accessories:

a storage bag for the shield when not in use, and a set of 10 disposable shield covers (plastic) that prevent contamination of the shield.

Certifications:

a calibration certificate for the shield's radiation attenuation (tested at 511 keV).

Warranty:

Three-year warranty on frame; one-year warranty on shield (does not cover normal wear).