Start up and shut down the system

This section contains information on how to turn on and off and log into and out of your MR system. It also includes quality control information to make sure your system is operating before scanning a patient and how to reset a subsystem of your scanner to safely recover from errors and various conditions.

A system restart brings the software down and then back up in an orderly fashion. It does not terminate power to the electronics or turn off power to the magnet. A corollary is restarting a PC. Safety rules should be followed to prevent personnel injury or magnet damage.

A system shutdown terminates power to the system’s electronics in an orderly fashion so image files are saved. A corollary to this is turning off a PC. It does not turn off power to the MRI magnet. Safety rules should be followed during system shutdown to prevent personnel injury or magnet damage.

An emergency shutdown can be performed to remove the power from the magnet room. System overheating, smoke, or odor associated with the system are good reasons for an emergency power down.