New UHS Facility Adds 3t Magnet

6/6/2012 (Updated 6/7/2012 5:35:36 PM)

What weighs more than 16,000 pounds, and needs a very large space to make an entrance?

Wednesday the UHS facility in Vestal opened its wall, to make room for the MRI magnet: --weighing over 8 tons it needs a crane to be lifted into the building. 

It's called the 3t Magnet and it's field strength is twice the amount of the existing imaging technology that is currently used. 

A radiologist who will be using the machine says patients have a lot to look forward to. 

"Detailed studies, small joints, MRI's of the spine and the brain.  It's going to allow us to have very accurate detail.  Plus it's going to be a very comfortable space for them in this new building.  We're going to have our radiologists here on site giving readings.  So quick, accurate reads." said Dr. Edward Santelli.

Santelli says the magnet should be ready for use when the facility opens in the beginning of September.