Equipment performance
Testing may address image quality, geometric accuracy, field homogeneity, slice parameters, radiofrequency coils, artifacts, and other scanner performance measures applicable to the system and purpose.
MRI accreditation preparation
ACR MRI Physics Readiness Checklist
A practical list of information to gather before an annual MRI system performance evaluation, ACR MRI accreditation testing, commissioning, or acceptance testing.
Before the visit
Information to assemble
Not every item applies to every facility. Confirm the requested scope with the medical physicist or MR scientist.
- Purpose and deadline: annual system performance evaluation, ACR accreditation or renewal, corrective-action follow-up, commissioning, acceptance testing, or post-service evaluation.
- Scanner inventory: manufacturer, model, field strength, serial number, software version, installation date, and exact testing location.
- Coil inventory: list the head, body, spine, breast, extremity, flexible, and specialty coils used clinically, including channel configuration when known.
- Prior physics report: provide the most recent signed report and evidence that prior findings were evaluated or corrected.
- Technologist QC: organize the current QC records, frequency, action limits, corrective actions, and documentation of missed or out-of-limit results.
- Service history: identify recent repairs, software changes, magnet work, coil replacement, upgrades, moves, or other changes that could affect performance.
- Accreditation details: modality, unit ID, ACR status, renewal or submission date, and any prior deficiency or requested corrective action.
- MR safety program: have current policies, screening process, safety roles, emergency procedures, training records, and available safety documentation ready for the agreed review.
- Site access: reserve scanner time, confirm phantom and accessories, arrange qualified staff access, and identify facility contacts for service, PACS, and safety questions.
- Reporting needs: state whether the facility needs an accreditation form, signed system-performance report, commissioning baseline, corrective-action follow-up, or another deliverable.
What the scope may include
MRI physics work is more than a single phantom scan.
Program and records review
Depending on the requirement, the work may include technologist-QC review, documentation review, and an MR safety program assessment. The requested accreditor or regulator controls the exact expectation.
Commissioning or acceptance
New installations and qualifying changes need a defined protocol, applicable vendor specifications, measurable baselines, coil testing, and clear documentation before routine patient use.
Findings and follow-up
The report should identify measured performance, findings, applicable criteria, and recommended follow-up. The facility remains responsible for operational decisions and corrective action.
Official references
Use current requirements.
ACR MRI Accreditation
Review the current ACR MRI Accreditation program for application and modality requirements.
ACR MRI quality control
Use the current ACR accreditation-support materials for annual evaluation, acceptance testing, technologist QC, and related documentation. Requirements can change, so confirm the version that applies to the facility.
Technical review: reviewed by an ABR-certified diagnostic medical physicist. Last reviewed September 2026. This checklist is educational and does not replace facility-specific professional, accreditation, safety, or regulatory review.
MRI physics nationwide
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