Recently, Scientific Reports published a prospective comparative study analyzing the clinical performance of multi-use (MI) versus single-use (SI) MRI contrast injectors, providing valuable insights for imaging centers when selecting injection systems. The study highlights that multi-use injectors offer significant advantages in operational efficiency, contrast utilization, and cost control.
Improved Operational Efficiency
The study was conducted at Radboud University Medical Center in the Netherlands and included over 300 patients undergoing MRI contrast-enhanced scans. It was divided into two phases: the first 10 days using multi-use MRI injectors (MI) and the next 10 days using single-use injectors (SI). Results showed that the average preparation time for MI systems was 2 minutes 24 seconds, compared to 4 minutes 55 seconds for SI systems, demonstrating a significant increase in efficiency. For daily use of CT injectors and MRI injectors, this time-saving allows imaging centers to process more patients and optimize clinical workflow.
Reduced Contrast Waste and Cost Savings
Contrast agent waste is a key contributor to imaging center operating costs. In the study, SI systems with 7.5ml syringes had a waste rate of 13%, whereas MI systems using 7.5ml bottles reduced waste to 5%. By using larger 15ml or 30ml contrast bottles and optimizing injection workflow according to patient volume, waste was further minimized. In high-volume scanning environments, multi-use injection systems can significantly reduce consumable costs, providing economic advantages for healthcare facilities.
Enhanced Operator Satisfaction
Operator experience is an important factor in medical equipment selection. A survey of staff showed that MI systems scored higher in time efficiency, user-friendliness, and ease of operation, with an average satisfaction rating of 4.7 out of 5, compared to 2.8 for SI systems. Improved operator experience not only enhances job satisfaction but also reduces the risk of operational errors, ensuring safe use of CT injectors and MRI injectors.
Design Advantages of Multi-Use Injectors
MI systems utilize daily medication cartridges and reusable contrast bottles, requiring only the replacement of tubing and disposable accessories for each patient. The system can simultaneously hold two types of contrast agents, such as standard gadolinium and liver-specific gadolinium, accommodating different scanning requirements. This design reduces operational steps while maintaining individualized dosing for each patient. Both MI and SI systems are CE certified, complying with EU medical device safety standards to ensure clinical safety and hygiene.
Clinical and Industry Significance
The study indicates that using multi-use CT injectors and MRI injectors provides comprehensive benefits in operational efficiency, cost reduction, and operator satisfaction. For imaging centers, this means maintaining high-quality contrast-enhanced imaging in high-volume settings while optimizing staff resource allocation.
Furthermore, with rising contrast agent costs and increasing focus on environmental sustainability, multi-use systems offer additional advantages. Reducing waste not only lowers expenses but also supports eco-friendly practices in modern healthcare facilities.
Future Applications
As MRI and CT technologies continue to expand in clinical diagnostics, efficient and safe injection systems will become essential equipment for imaging centers. The study provides data supporting the feasibility and value of multi-use injectors in daily practice, offering guidance for hospitals in procurement decisions and workflow optimization. Multi-use CT injectors and MRI injectors are likely to become standard configurations in the future, improving overall imaging service quality.
Post time: Oct-09-2025
