General

Q: What is a mobile system?

A: A mobile system is a GE Medical Systems product that has been engineered to withstand the rigors of the road. It has then been integrated into a complete diagnostic suite built inside the following configurations:

• Mobile – semi-trailer or a large van which meets over-road DOT requirements. Typically, mobiles are moving frequently. For more information, see the mobile specifications page.
• Transportable – oversized trailer (with permanently attached wheels) which meets over-road DOT requirements except for size or weight and will require special permits for transportation. Typically stays in the same place for a year or longer. For more information, see the transportable specifications page.
• Relocatable – modular building (with temporary wheels used for transportation only- the wheels are relocated at site). This building can be moved with GE system installed. Typically, relocatable buildings stay in the same place for 3 years or longer. For more information, see the relocatable specifications page.
• ISO Container – International Standard Organization container. This container can be moved with GE system installed. Typically stays in the same place for a year or longer. For more information, see the ISO Container specifications page.

Q: Are there advantages to having a mobile system?

A: Yes, here are a few:

• Eliminates costly construction at your site
• Ease of transportation
• Fast delivery
• Ability to try a system at your site

Q: What are some reasons why customers choose mobile systems?

A: Here are a few:

• Space does not exist in their facility for a fixed system
• Share system capacity among several facilities
• Accommodate an increase in demand
• Entrepreneurship opportunities
• Provide a temporary solution
• Fast tax depreciation

Q: What is GE Mobile Design Certification and why do I need it?

A: GE has list of requirements that allows a mobile configuration to be compatible with our diagnostic imaging equipment. If it is not a GE Mobile Design Certified configuration, we can not ensure that the system will operate properly or be serviced adequately. Please see the GE Mobile Design Certification web page to learn more about this certification.

Q: Who do I contact for additional information on mobile products and services?

A: Your GE full line sales representative will be happy to answer any questions you might have. To determine your GE sales representative, please call 1-800-643-6439. Also, you may select the Call Me button on the home page to request that a sales specialist contact you.

• GE Mobile Design Certification

Availability and Delivery

Q: What is the typical delivery time for a mobile system?

A: For a typical system:

• Typical delivery is 60 days from the order
• The van manufacturer must confirm when the trailer is ready for system load
• GE must confirm availability of the system for the ready to load time
• The van manufacturer does a mechanical install of the system into the trailer, typically 1 to 2 weeks
• GE manufacturing then does a system calibration, typically 1 to 2 weeks
• The mobile system is typically available to ship to the customer site in 4 weeks from the time van is ready to load.

Q: What is the typical site preparation time for a mobile system?

A: For a mobile system, site preparation time is approximately 10-30 days. Usually a flat pad (foundation) and electric power is required. In comparison, a fixed system is usually 180 days.

Q: What is the typical time to setup a new mobile system at its first site?

A: For a mobile system, first time setup is approximately 1-5 days, depending on the system. The next time is 20 minutes to 1 hr, again depending on the system. In comparison, a fixed system is usually 4 to 8 weeks.

Q: How do I find out the availability of the GE Mobile Design Certified configuration I have chosen?

A: Contact our Mobile Coordinator at the Customer Center, Pam Sheppard-Perez at (262) 827-3285 for availability.

Products and Features

Q: Which GE Medical Systems products are available in a mobile configuration?

A: See our home page and select a modality for a complete listing.

Q: What accessories are available for my mobile system?

A: Since the accessories travel with the mobile system, they too must be tested to ensure they can withstand the rigors of the road. They are also test ed for compatibility with our imaging systems. Please order only mobile approved accessories. A list of mobile approved products can be found on our accessories website

Q: How much does a mobile configuration cost?

A: The mobile configuration price has two components:

• The price of the mobile imaging system as well as all the options and accessories you choose. This price will be provided by GE.
• The price for the mobile trailer, van, relocatable modular building or ISO container. This price will be provided by the GE Mobile Design Certified van manufacturer. (The van manufacturer can also provide the cost of transportation, siting, rigging, etc.)
  
  
• Note: GE can provide financing for the GE system, trailer, transportation, siting, etc.

Mobile Configurations

Q: Can I choose which mobile, transportable, relocatable, or ISO container manufacturer my mobile system uses?

A: GE requires that you use a GE Mobile Design Certified Configuration to ensure compatibility with our systems and proper system performance. We have several van manufacturers who meet this certification. On each modality web page there is a listing of systems available by mobile configuration type. Once you have selected a system and mobile configuration, look to see which of our van manufacturers offers your configuration. Then click on their name to bring up their contact information.

Q: Which mobile, transportable, relocatable, and ISO container manufacturers are GE Mobile Design Certified?

A: See our van manufacturers' web page

Q: Are there any state regulations I should be aware of when purchasing a mobile system?

A: Each state has different regulations regarding what is required to be in a mobile system. Some states require mobiles systems to have a sink, changing area, special fire protection or other options that our van manufacturers would have to provide for you. Please consult one of our van manufacturers to learn about the current regulations in your state.

Q: What are the typical specifications for a trailer?

A: Here is a table of typical specs:

• van manufacturers' web page

Site Plans

Q: What is typically needed to site a mobile system?

A: The following items are typically needed:

• Site pad required - Must be a level pad to support the size and weight of the mobile system. A full concrete pad is recommended. Thickness is determined by site zone location, soil conditions, and local codes.
• Electrical Power - typically 480V 3 phase at 60Hz
• Water and plumbing - Water is necessary to supply the humidifier and optional sink. Typically standard hose connections are used for a direct external supply.
• Phone lines - minimum 2 phone lines are required - voice and data lines

Q: How do I obtain a detailed site plan?

A: The site plan for the system and GE Mobile Certified Configuration you have chosen can be obtained by contacting the van manufacturers of your selection.

Budgeting and Financing

Q: What are your financing options?

A: GE can offer many varieties of financing to meet your needs such as direct purchase, short and long term leases, and rentals.

Q: What are your current financing rates and terms?

A: Since rates and terms change frequently we are not able to post them here. Your sales rep will be happy to contact a GE Healthcare Financial Services Representative to assist you in getting the financial information you need. You can also contact them directly at 1-800-643-6439.

Rentals

Q: Can a mobile system be rented from GE?

A: Yes, GEAR® is the rental arm for General Electric. Currently, GEAR® rents 1.0T or 1.5T MRI systems as well as CT products. You have the ability to rent current technology that you either have or are likely to purchase. The systems are brand new to 24 months old.

Q: How long are the contracts?

A: Terms are flexible from a weekly rental to several years.

Q: Why should I rent?

A: Rental provides you with the option to keep the systems only as long as you need it. It allows you to work down patient backlogs or try new technology before you purchase it. Finally, if for some reason your current system needs long term repair/upgrade or replacement, a GEAR® mobile will keep the department up and functioning with a minimal amount of disruption and no loss of patient volume or revenues.

Q: Is it expensive to rent?

A: Renting is more expensive than leasing or purchasing. The benefit in renting is when you have a short-term need that will cost the department and hospital lost revenues from not having a scanner. Rates for CT and MRI are based on length of term and if a GE system is purchased with the rental.

Q: How quickly can we receive a GEAR® mobile system?

A: A rental contract must be generated and authorized. Once this is completed your system can usually be delivered within 48 to 72 hours.

Q: Who do I contact to order a GEAR® mobile system?

A: Call your local GE Sales Representative or GEAR® at 1-888-FOR-GEAR and we will be happy to get things started and answer any questions you may have.

MRI Specific

Q. Is a MR mobile moved with magnet energized?

A. The MR mobile is designed to move at field, and does not require ramp down of magnet for transport. Relocatable, Transportable and ISO container modules, however, require the magnet to be ramped down for transportation.

Q. Where is the exclusion zone for MR mobiles?

A. MR - Exclusion zone for cardiac pacemakers, neurostimulators, and other biostimulation devices is recommended at 5 gauss. All mobile configurations are equipped with additional shielding in the walls. The Exclusion for Actively or Passively shielded magnet mobile systems does not extend into normally accessible locations exterior to the van. The appropriate warning signs are permanently attached to the magnet room doors.

• The 3 gauss line is located approximately 3 feet (0.91 meter) from van walls
• The 1 gauss line is located approximately 8 feet (2.44 meter) from van walls
• The 0.5 gauss line is located approximately 12 feet (3.66 meter) from van walls

PET Specific

Q. Who arranges for the licensing?

A. The Radiation Safety Officer at the facility should arrange for appropriate licensing for that institution. GE has obtained NRC licensing. PET Advance is licensed by NRC under sealed source registry number WA-1032-D-102-S. You can see a copy of this registry on the NRC website at:http://www.hsrd.ornl.gov/nrc/ssdr/10320102.pdf

The IPL source pins, IPL Model A3407, are licensed by IPL under registry number WA-0406-S-202-S, which can also be seen on the NRC website at:http://www.hsrd.ornl.gov/nrc/ssdr/04060202.pdf

These registrations are typically accepted throughout the US.

Q. What are Pin Sources?

A. Pin Sources are the radiography sources used in PET imaging.

Q. Do I have a choice of Pin Source vendors?

A. GE suggests using Isotope Products Laboratories (IPL) for pin sources

Q. Who makes arrangements for the Pin Sources?

A. The Customer has ultimate responsibility, GE notifies IPL upon initial sale with target delivery date.

Q. How long does it take to setup the system after delivery from GE Manufacturing?

A. GE Service typically needs 5 full days to complete pin source installation and systems calibrations

Q. How long does daily setup and calibration take?

A. Typically 45 to 90 minutes