Siemens Healthcare recently expanded its range of MoodLight products with the introduction of its latest MRI systems, the Magnetom Aera and Magnetom Skyra.
The LED MoodLights have been introduced as a means of improving the patient experience during what can be an anxiety-provoking examination. The two MRIs join the Mammomat Inspiration Full Field Digital Mammography (FFDM) system in the Siemens’ MoodLight family.
The recently launched Magnetom Aera 1.5 Tesla and Magnetom Skyra 3 Tesla systems deliver superb image quality and have been designed to significantly optimise clinical and business processes in the current health environment. The illuminated MoodLight panel on each system can be programmed by the operator to emit a rotating range of soothing pastel colours or a single colour to match the environment.
A soft array of colours in the examination room helps to reduce patient anxiety and promote a sense of calm that will inevitably reduce any feelings of unease. The relaxing atmosphere is enhanced further by an Open Bore design, which accommodates a greater variety of patients. A short magnet also means that many scans can be completed with the patient’s head outside the bore.
“The MoodLight is an important element in the design of our latest MRI systems and gives the clinician added support in ensuring that the patient is relaxed during a scan. If the patient is comfortable, this can make the whole examination process easier and the chance of obtaining a good quality image is greatly increased,” said Jane Kilkenny, MR Product Manager at Siemens Healthcare.
In 2008, Siemens launched its first solution incorporating MoodLight functionality, the Mammomat Inspiration FFDM system. This emits a soothing palette of colours into the examination area to relieve feelings of anxiety during breast imaging. Feedback from UK customers suggested that having the lights create a warm and welcoming atmosphere. The option of blue lighting is beneficial for male patients, peach tones are flattering on most skin tones and pink creates a warmer clinical environment.