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What This Guide Helps With
Addresses failed MRI calibration or QC checks caused by setup, phantom positioning, coils, environmental conditions, system readiness, or repeatable performance problems.
Step-by-Step Troubleshooting
1. Protect Clinical Use
If a required quality-control or calibration check has failed and scanner performance cannot be confirmed, do not assume the system is suitable for continued clinical scanning.
Follow facility policy regarding removal or restriction from clinical use.
Expected outcome: Patient imaging is not performed on a scanner whose required performance verification is unresolved.
2. Record the Exact Failed Test
Document the specific QC or calibration process that failed and capture the exact displayed message or reported result.
Do not substitute an interpretation for the actual failure description.
Expected outcome: The failed process and observed result are clearly identified.
3. Verify System Readiness
Confirm the scanner has completed startup, no unrelated system fault is active, and the MRI has reached its normal ready condition before the test is repeated.
Expected outcome: The QC failure is not simply the result of incomplete system initialization.
4. Check the Test Object or Phantom
Inspect the approved phantom or test device for damage, leakage, contamination, incorrect assembly, or other obvious condition that could invalidate the test.
Expected outcome: The test object is appropriate and suitable for use.
5. Verify Phantom Positioning
Confirm that the phantom is positioned and aligned according to the approved QC procedure and that the table and selected coil are set up correctly.
Do not invent alternate positioning to force a passing result.
Expected outcome: Test setup matches the approved procedure.
6. Inspect Coil and External Connections
Verify the required coil and accessible connections are secure and physically intact.
If allowed by the approved test procedure, compare with another known-good compatible accessory when an accessory fault is suspected.
Expected outcome: No external coil or connection issue invalidates the test.
7. Check Environmental Conditions
Determine whether the failed test followed a room temperature problem, HVAC event, power interruption, facility work, equipment relocation, or other environmental change.
Expected outcome: No obvious external environmental condition explains the failure.
8. Repeat the Approved Test Once Conditions Are Correct
After correcting any external setup issue, repeat the same approved QC or calibration procedure without altering acceptance criteria.
Expected outcome: The test completes normally and meets the established manufacturer or facility criteria.
If the test passes and no other abnormal condition is present, troubleshooting can stop after documentation.
9. Do Not Adjust Calibration to Chase a Passing Result
If the approved test continues to fail, do not change internal calibration, shim, RF, gradient, or restricted service parameters without the required qualification and manufacturer procedure.
Expected outcome: The failed test remains an accurate indication of system condition rather than being masked by unauthorized adjustment.
10. Escalate Persistent QC Failure
Remove the scanner from service or restrict clinical use according to policy and arrange qualified service evaluation.
Expected outcome: Persistent performance failures receive appropriate service-level investigation.
If the Problem Persists
Common setup, phantom, positioning, coil, readiness, and environmental causes have been ruled out. The remaining issue may involve calibration state, RF or gradient performance, magnet-related performance, system configuration, environmental support, or another service-level condition.
The MRI system should be:
- Removed from service when required performance cannot be verified
- Labeled Out of Service
- Sent for qualified evaluation
- Evaluated using appropriate Canon service documentation and approved MRI test equipment
- Calibrated, repaired, or configured only by qualified personnel
Return to service only after the required QC or calibration process passes and all necessary functional checks are complete.
Knowing when to stop external troubleshooting is proper troubleshooting.
Clinical Use Tip
A failed QC result should be treated as meaningful until a documented setup problem or qualified service evaluation proves otherwise.
Work Order Documentation (CCR Method)
CCR = Complaint, Cause, Resolution
Complaint
What was reported by the clinical staff.
Example:
"MRI staff reported the scheduled image-quality QC test would not pass."
Cause
What was observed during troubleshooting.
Example:
"Clinical Engineering found the QC phantom was incorrectly positioned in the selected coil."
Resolution
What action was taken.
Example:
"Repositioned the phantom according to the approved QC setup, repeated the test successfully, and documented the passing result before return to service."
Helpful Details to Include (If Known)
- Exact test that failed
- Exact displayed message
- Phantom condition
- Phantom position
- Coil used
- Scanner readiness state
- Recent environmental event
- Results of repeat test
- Whether failure was reproducible
- Final QC and scanner status
Final Thought
QC failures require discipline: verify the test setup first, never alter criteria simply to obtain a pass, and escalate repeatable failures that remain after external causes are eliminated. Patient safety depends on reliable performance verification and clear documentation.
That is successful troubleshooting.