• Object ID: 00000018WIA3058A870GYZ
  • Topic ID: id_40025572 Version: 1.4
  • Date: Feb 8, 2022 4:23:59 PM

SAR Scout scan

Before you begin

This procedure is only applicable on 3.0T systems.

The SAR Scout preference on the System Preference screen must be set to On or Auto. For details, see SAR Scout Preferences.

  • From the Exam or System Preference screen, when the SAR Scout is set to Auto or On, the cradle moves to a fixed location. The scan begins after the cradle is in position.
    • 38 cm from the scannable end of the cradle for the head-first position.
    • 83 cm from the patient end of the cradle for the feet-first position.
  • The cradle returns to the landmark position before it starts the 3-plane localizer scan.

About this task

Use these steps when acquiring a head or neck scan when the patient is supine, head or feet first, and the Anatomical Region has been specified in the head/neck regions.

The SAR Scout scan is a 3D Fast Gradient Echo scan with ART Imaging Option enabled for reduced acoustic noise.

A SAR Scout scan is created for any exam which includes head or neck scanning. The SAR Scout scan is used to determine the location of the top of the patient’s head relative to the cradle. After the system knows the position of the patient , the most appropriate SAR control parameter for the location is used. This significantly improves Head SAR estimation allowing for better performance, particularly in the neck region.

  • The SAR Scout scan adds approximately 12 seconds to each exam.
  • The SAR Scout scan is not performed for a Silent 3-plane Localizer.
  • A SAR Scout scan is repeated if:
    • A new landmark is established
    • The patient position or entry has changed since the last scout scan
    • SAR Scout is set to On from Exam Preference during the exam
  • If the SAR Scout scan is performed but the patient’s head is not detected, a message appears in the status bar. Respond to the message.
  • The images produced by the scout scan do not appear in the Auto View window.
  • The SAR Scout series number begins with 29000. It is visible in the Auto View window during SAR scout scans. The system displays the localizer scan series in the Task tab, but it does not display the SAR Scout series.
    Figure 1. Workflow manager during SAR Scout scan

Step-by-step instructions

  1. Start a head or neck exam.
    • The patient must be supine, head or feet first.
    • Any head or neck coil can be used.
  2. Set the landmark and press Advance to Scan.
  3. Acquire the 3 Plane Localizer.
    1. From the Workflow Manager, click 3 Plane Localizer.
    2. Click Setup.
    3. Click Save Rx > Scan.

      Result

      • The scan workflow manager creates a SAR Scout series and starts the scan.
      • The table automatically moves to and from the head scout location without the need to press the Move to Scan button.
      • The SAR Scout prescans and scans.
      • The system automatically starts the localizer series after moving back.
      • The SAR Scout series appears in the Task tab without a series number.
  4. Proceed with the rest of the exam.