When we say "low-cost", just how low cost are we talking here?
I skimmed through the article, but still didn't comprehend how much something like this might actually cost.
I skimmed through the article, but still didn't comprehend how much something like this might actually cost.
Siting a conventional MRI is pretty expensive (often requires a new build 6 figures for sure) and operation costs can run up to even 5 fig/month for powerful ones.
They could probably get one of these out the door for approx 100k. Clinical scanners are typically 10x+ that.
Siting cost would be next to nothing, and operating costs low too.
Additionally, the scanner cost is only part the price. There is the Faraday cage, chilling, room setup, building strengthening, scanner install and shipping cost, peripheral equipment (compatible monitoring, injectors, compatible beds and chairs etc). It probably comes in at a doubling of the cost of the actual scanner.
While reducing the cost of the install and running will help a lot, the staffing is the larger cost in radiology, as techs and radiologists are expensive.
Costs will vary hugely depending on where you are in the world, but it isn't cheap anywhere.
Staffing is an interesting one (which I ignored, but good point you can't really) - lots of potential deployments of a small machine like this probably don't look anything like a US standard imaging suite, and aren't going to be staffed the same way. If you run all the numbers in detail you get big variations here, depending on set up.
Scanner location is absolutely a driver in where people get their imaging done. People want good parking and a nearby location.
If the building is being purpose built it is a lot easier, as retro fitting steel isn’t cheap.