Non Magnetic MRI Transfer Stretcher with 240 Kg Max Load and 4 Ergonomic Handles

The Low-Height MRI Transfer Stretcher is designed to solve one of the most common challenges in MRI patient handling: the vertical gap between hospital gurneys and the scanner table. Standard stretchers have decks that are 24 to 32 inches above the floor, while MRI scanner tables are often 18 to 22 inches high. This mismatch forces staff to lift or slide patients across a significant height difference, increasing the risk of patient falls and staff back injuries. This stretcher eliminates that problem with a minimum deck height of just 12 inches.

The lowering mechanism uses non-magnetic gas springs arranged in a scissor linkage made of aluminum and nylon. When the release lever is actuated, the deck descends smoothly and under control – there is no sudden drop. The descent rate is governed by a metering valve made of ceramic, which allows the gas springs to extend slowly even when fully loaded. Raising the deck requires a pumping action on a foot pedal, which uses a non-magnetic hydraulic cylinder.

A full-perimeter rubber bumper protects both the stretcher and the MRI suite environment. The bumper wraps around the entire edge of the deck, covering corners and protrusions. The rubber is 1 inch thick and compressible, so if the stretcher bumps into the scanner bore or a wall, the bumper absorbs the impact rather than transmitting force. The bumper is also removable for cleaning – it snaps onto a nylon track that runs around the deck perimeter.

Two central brakes lock all four casters simultaneously when the brake pedal is pressed. This is a critical safety feature: when transferring a patient from a low stretcher to an MRI table, the stretcher must not move. With individual caster brakes, staff would need to lock each wheel separately, a time-consuming process that is often skipped. The central brake mechanism uses a cable-and-pulley system with no metal springs; the cables are nylon-coated stainless steel (non-magnetic grade), and the pulleys are nylon.

The radiolucent deck supports portable X-ray without moving the patient – a feature that is particularly valuable in trauma MRI protocols where the patient may have undiagnosed fractures or internal injuries. The deck is made of carbon-fiber-reinforced polymer with a smooth, seamless surface. The radiolucent area covers the entire deck, from head to toe, so X-ray imaging can be performed at any position.

The deck dimensions are 78 inches long by 24 inches wide, accommodating most adult patients. The minimum height of 12 inches is measured from the floor to the top of the deck. At this height, the deck is nearly level with the typical MRI scanner table, which stands 18 inches high, requiring only a 6-inch vertical transfer – easily accomplished with a sliding board or even with a simple pull sheet. For scanner tables that are lower than 18 inches, the stretcher can be raised incrementally to match.

The weight capacity is 500 pounds, verified through load testing. The low height does not compromise strength; the scissor linkage is over-engineered to handle the maximum load even at full extension. The stretcher itself weighs 95 pounds – heavier than some competitors because of the robust linkage – but the weight is distributed and the stretcher rolls easily on its 6-inch casters.

Clinical studies have shown that using a low-height transfer stretcher reduces the peak force required for patient transfer by approximately 60 percent. This reduction translates directly into lower rates of staff injury and greater patient comfort. One hospital reported a 45 percent reduction in patient falls during MRI transfers after adopting this stretcher. The device is particularly recommended for MRI suites that perform a high volume of inpatient scans, where patients are often brought from hospital beds rather than from the emergency department.

Optional accessories include a transfer board that bridges the gap between the stretcher and scanner table, a set of positioning wedges for maintaining patient alignment, and an IV pole that mounts to the side of the stretcher without interfering with the lowering mechanism.