NUH now offers Silent Scan, a new technology that reduces MRI noise from a rock concert to near silence
SINGAPORE – JULY 1, 2014 – Today, GE reported that Silent Scan, a technology that dramatically quiets MRI exams, is now available at NUH, GE’s first in Southeast Asia. Silent Scan addresses one of the most significant impediments to patient comfort — excessive acoustic noise generated during an MRI scan. Conventional MRI scanners can generate noise in excess of 110 decibels, roughly equivalent to rock concerts and requiring ear protection. Silent Scan, developed by GE Healthcare, is designed to reduce MR scanner noise to ambient (background) sound levels and improve a patient’s MRI exam. To hear for yourself, click here (http://bit.ly/14krJ3O).
Silent Scan was installed at NUH last month and 14 patients have been scanned so far.
“Designing for the patient experience is part of GE’s commitment to prioritizing patient comfort,” said Travis Monke, Magnetic Resonance Leader for GE Healthcare ASEAN. “Silent Scan is a revolutionary technology that brings the noise level of MRI exams down to levels unheard of until now. We’re thrilled to bring this patient-friendly technology to NUH to help improve the patient MRI exam experience.”
Noise is one of the major complaints from patients who undergo an MRI exam. Historically, medical manufacturers have addressed the noise issue by using a combination of acoustic dampening material or performance degradation to reduce the noise level. With Silent Scan, noise is not merely dampened; it is virtually eliminated at the source.
“Noise and closeness of space are usually the two chief complaints from patients who have to undergo an MRI scan. It is good to know that we now have the ability to resolve part of the problem by providing a less noisy scan for a certain portion of the MRI examinations,” said Dr. Choong Chih Ching, Associate Consultant, Department of Diagnostic Imaging, NUH.
With Silent Scan, patients who undergo an MRI scan at NUH will be able to experience a more relaxing scanning environment.
About GE Healthcare
GE Healthcare provides transformational medical technologies and services to meet the demand for increased access, enhanced quality and more affordable healthcare around the world. GE (NYSE: GE) works on things that matter - great people and technologies taking on tough challenges. From medical imaging, software & IT, patient monitoring and diagnostics to drug discovery, biopharmaceutical manufacturing technologies and performance improvement solutions, GE Healthcare helps medical professionals deliver great healthcare to their patients.
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