When Every Second Counts in MRI

A person in a MRI machineIn a busy MRI department, time is one of the most valuable resources. Patients are scheduled back-to-back, radiologists face pressure to deliver timely reports, and technologists balance workflow with patient care. Even small delays, like trying to pinpoint a vague area of concern, can ripple across the schedule and affect the entire imaging team. That is where MR-SPOT® skin markers can make all the difference. 

Cutting Through the Noise

When patients describe discomfort, their explanations are often imprecise: “It hurts here sometimes,” or “I feel it when I move this way.” Without a visual reference point, technologists must translate those descriptions into positioning or written notes, leaving radiologists to interpret images without clear context. This adds unnecessary steps and increases the chance of miscommunication.

A MR-SPOT between fingers and how it shows up on the scanBy placing an MR-SPOT® skin marker directly over the area of concern, technologists provide an immediate point of reference on the scan. The marker eliminates guesswork, ensuring the radiologist can quickly identify the exact location of interest. It is a small addition to the workflow that prevents uncertainty and allows the entire team to move forward with clarity.

Markers also serve as a universal language on the image. Whether the scan is reviewed immediately, later in the day, or by another radiologist, the marker consistently communicates patient concerns. This consistency helps standardize workflow, reduce variability, and improve collaboration across the department.

Saving Time and Improving Accuracy

In MRI, efficiency is about more than just keeping the scanner running. Every second saved in the interpretation process has a ripple effect on the entire imaging chain. With MR-SPOT skin markers in place, radiologists can focus directly on the area of interest, making it easier to correlate patient symptoms with findings. This not only saves valuable interpretation time but also improves diagnostic confidence.

For technologists, the benefit is just as significant. Instead of relying on detailed notes or verbal communication to highlight a patient’s concern, the marker provides a clear, visual cue. This reduces the need for additional documentation and minimizes the chance of errors during handoffs.

Departments that incorporate skin markers consistently often see improved turnaround times for reports. With faster, clearer reads, radiologists can complete more cases without compromising accuracy, and referring physicians can provide answers to patients sooner. It is a small change in workflow that adds measurable value.

More Patients, Better Care

A technologist next to a machine with a patient in it.Improving MRI workflow efficiency has benefits that go beyond scheduling. For patients, a faster and more accurate process reduces anxiety and builds trust in the care they are receiving. When a marker is placed, patients can see that their specific concern is being acknowledged. That reassurance alone can make the experience feel more personal and less intimidating.

For radiologists and referring providers, the added clarity leads to quicker clinical decisions and more effective treatment planning. By connecting what the patient feels with what the radiologist sees, MR-SPOT markers help ensure that no concern is overlooked. The result is better communication, improved accuracy, and a more patient-centered approach to imaging.

The Small Tool That Keeps You Moving

In MRI, every second counts. MR-SPOT® skin markers may be small, but their impact is significant. They help eliminate uncertainty, improve collaboration, and keep the workflow moving smoothly. The result is a faster and more confident diagnostic process that benefits the entire care team and the patient at the center of it all.

Sometimes the simplest tools deliver the greatest value. MR-SPOT® skin markers prove that in MRI, precision and efficiency can come from even the smallest details.An example of MR-SPOT on a patient's back and how it shows on a scan.

Email info@beekley.com or contact your Medical Imaging Account Manager at 1-800-233-5539 to determine if MR-SPOT skin markers for MRI can enhance your turnaround time and keep your team moving. 

 

   
Megan Sargalski

Megan Sargalski

Marketing Communications Specialist

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