Abstract: A sample transport system has a carrier configured to hold a sample tube for a sample to be transported and mixed, a transporter configured to support the carrier, a guide portion configured to impart motion to the carrier on the transporter and deliver the carrier to a destination location, and a controller. The controller is configured to identify instructions associated with the sample, the instructions including a movement profile configured to cause mixing of the sample, communicate with the guide portion to cause the carrier to follow the movement profile on the transporter to cause the mixing of the sample, and deliver the sample to the destination location.

Abstract: A computer-implemented method for determining magnetic field inversion time of a tissue species includes generating a T1-mapping image of a tissue of interest, the T1-mapping image comprising a plurality of T1 values within an expected range of T1 values for the tissue of interest. An image mask is created based on predetermined identification information about the tissue of interest. Next, an updated image mask is created based on a largest connected region in the image mask. The updated image mask is applied to the T1-mapping image to yield a masked image. Then, a mean relaxation time value is determined for the largest connected region. The mean relaxation time value is then used to determine a time point for nulling longitudinal magnetization.

Abstract: A method of attenuation correction for a positron emission tomography (PET) system includes obtaining PET scan data representative of a volume scanned by the PET system, obtaining a plurality of magnetic resonance (MR) scan data sets representative of the volume, each MR scan data set being acquired in a respective time period during acquisition of the PET scan data by the PET system, detecting motion of the volume that occurred during the acquisition of the PET scan data based on an assessment of the plurality of MR scan data sets, the PET scan data, or the plurality of MR scan data sets and the PET scan data, determining attenuation correction data from the plurality of MR scan data sets based on the detected motion for alignment of the attenuation correction data and the PET scan data, and correcting the PET scan data with the attenuation correction data.

Abstract: A system includes an image data processor for automatically processing data representing multiple patient anatomical images acquired in a single imaging scan. The images are acquired by, identifying multiple different anatomical elements in corresponding multiple different anatomical regions and identifying multiple different potentially pathology indicative features associated with the multiple different anatomical elements in response to first predetermined information associating different potentially pathology indicative features with corresponding different anatomical elements. The image data processor determines multiple different image acquisition methods for use in imaging the multiple different potentially pathology indicative features in response to second predetermined information associating different image acquisition methods with corresponding identified different pathology indicative features. An output processor collates images for output.

Abstract: An imaging system automatically determines a cardiac timing parameter for acquiring a cardiac image in a heart phase. An interface receives data identifying a heart image orientation for image acquisition. A repository of data associates, for acquisition of an image in a particular heart phase, different image orientations with corresponding different data items identifying respective corresponding particular acquisition points within an individual heart cycle relative to a start point of the heart cycle. An acquisition timing processor determines from the repository of data, a particular acquisition point within an individual heart cycle relative to the start point of the heart cycle, in response to the received data identifying the heart image orientation and uses the determined particular acquisition point to provide a synchronization signal for triggering acquisition of an image at the particular heart phase.

Abstract: A system automatically concurrently performs an MR image study acquisition and supplementary image data acquisition. The system includes a detector for providing a signal indicating individual portions of an imaging scan using a first imaging method have ceased. An image data processor automatically concurrently interleaves imaging of a first anatomical portion using the first imaging method and supplementary imaging of a second anatomical portion using a different second imaging method, in response to the signal. The image data processor incorporates identifier data in data representing images acquired using the second imaging method identifying images acquired using the second imaging method differently from images acquired using the first imaging method.

Abstract: A method (100) that automates the process of selecting parameters for MR imaging acquisition to provide imaging with optimal image contrast.

Abstract: A computer-implemented method for determining magnetic field inversion time of a tissue species includes generating a T1-mapping image of a tissue of interest, the T1-mapping image comprising a plurality of T1 values within an expected range of T1 values for the tissue of interest. An image mask is created based on predetermined identification information about the tissue of interest. Next, an updated image mask is created based on a largest connected region in the image mask. The updated image mask is applied to the T1-mapping image to yield a masked image. Then, a mean relaxation time value is determined for the largest connected region. The mean relaxation time value is then used to determine a time point for nulling longitudinal magnetization.

Abstract: A system and method is provided for magnetic resonance angiography (MRA) that includes performing a pulse sequence using the MRI system, the pulse sequence including a phase-based flow encoding to collect a time-series of image data from the portion of the vasculature of the subject and identifying at least a portion of the time series of image data corresponding to a period of reduced flow through the portion of the vasculature. The portion of the time series of image data is subtracted from the time series of image data to create a time series of images of the portion of the vasculature having background tissue surrounding the portion of the vasculature substantially suppressed.

Abstract: A method of attenuation correction for a positron emission tomography (PET) system includes obtaining PET scan data representative of a volume scanned by the PET system, obtaining a plurality of magnetic resonance (MR) scan data sets representative of the volume, each MR scan data set being acquired in a respective time period during acquisition of the PET scan data by the PET system, detecting motion of the volume that occurred during the acquisition of the PET scan data based on an assessment of the plurality of MR scan data sets, the PET scan data, or the plurality of MR scan data sets and the PET scan data, determining attenuation correction data from the plurality of MR scan data sets based on the detected motion for alignment of the attenuation correction data and the PET scan data, and correcting the PET scan data with the attenuation correction data.

Abstract: An imaging system automatically determines a cardiac timing parameter for acquiring a cardiac image in a heart phase. An interface receives data identifying a heart image orientation for image acquisition. A repository of data associates, for acquisition of an image in a particular heart phase, different image orientations with corresponding different data items identifying respective corresponding particular acquisition points within an individual heart cycle relative to a start point of the heart cycle. An acquisition timing processor determines from the repository of data, a particular acquisition point within an individual heart cycle relative to the start point of the heart cycle, in response to the received data identifying the heart image orientation and uses the determined particular acquisition point to provide a synchronization signal for triggering acquisition of an image at the particular heart phase.

Abstract: A system for Non-Contrast Agent enhanced MR imaging includes an MR image acquisition device for acquiring imaging datasets comprising one or more image slabs individually comprising multiple image slices. An image data processor processes data representing an acquired image slice to detect a predetermined anatomical feature of a patient by detecting an edge of the anatomical feature in response to detection of pixel luminance transitions. A patient support table controller automatically moves a patient table at a velocity adaptively and dynamically determined by, selecting data modifying table velocity from predetermined information associating an anatomical feature with table velocity modification data in response to detection of the anatomical feature and adaptively determining a table velocity using the modification data.

Abstract: A system supports medical imaging compliance with guideline and reimbursement requirements using at least one repository and a compliance processor. The at least one repository associates information including, specific reimbursement requirements of a patient insurance company with an imaging protocol compliant with predetermined guidelines for imaging a particular anatomical feature and with a specific type of imaging device and with multiple different steps of the imaging protocol. The compliance processor uses the information in, determining whether a particular imaging protocol for imaging a particular anatomical feature of a particular patient on a particular type of imaging device is compliant with the guidelines and the reimbursement requirements and identifying at least one of, (a) a missing step and (b) an incorrect step, in the particular imaging protocol.

Abstract: A system and method is provided for magnetic resonance angiography (MRA) that includes performing a pulse sequence using the MRI system, the pulse sequence including a phase-based flow encoding to collect a time-series of image data from the portion of the vasculature of the subject and identifying at least a portion of the time series of image data corresponding to a period of reduced flow through the portion of the vasculature. The portion of the time series of image data is subtracted from the time series of image data to create a time series of images of the portion of the vasculature having background tissue surrounding the portion of the vasculature substantially suppressed.

Abstract: A system improves accuracy of blood flow peak velocity measurements as well as the speed and precision of an MR data acquisition workflow. A system for blood flow velocity determination in MR imaging comprises an MR imaging system. The MR imaging system acquires a three dimensional (3D) MR imaging dataset of a patient anatomical volume of interest and a one dimensional (1D) MR imaging dataset within the volume of interest automatically aligned in response to 3D vector directional information. An image data processor derives the 3D vector directional information by, deriving velocity magnitude data using the acquired 3D MR imaging dataset, identifying maximum velocity data using the derived velocity magnitude data and transforming the identified maximum velocity data to provide the 3D vector directional information. A calculation processor uses the acquired 1D MR imaging dataset to calculate a blood flow velocity in a direction determined by the 3D vector directional information.

Abstract: A method (100) that automates the process of selecting parameters for MR imaging acquisition to provide imaging with optimal image contrast.

Abstract: A system automatically concurrently performs an MR image study acquisition and supplementary image data acquisition. The system includes a detector for providing a signal indicating individual portions of an imaging scan using a first imaging method have ceased. An image data processor automatically concurrently interleaves imaging of a first anatomical portion using the first imaging method and supplementary imaging of a second anatomical portion using a different second imaging method, in response to the signal. The image data processor incorporates identifier data in data representing images acquired using the second imaging method identifying images acquired using the second imaging method differently from images acquired using the first imaging method.

Abstract: A system includes an image data processor for automatically processing data representing multiple patient anatomical images acquired in a single imaging scan. The images are acquired by, identifying multiple different anatomical elements in corresponding multiple different anatomical regions and identifying multiple different potentially pathology indicative features associated with the multiple different anatomical elements in response to first predetermined information associating different potentially pathology indicative features with corresponding different anatomical elements. The image data processor determines multiple different image acquisition methods for use in imaging the multiple different potentially pathology indicative features in response to second predetermined information associating different image acquisition methods with corresponding identified different pathology indicative features. An output processor collates images for output.

Abstract: A system for Non-Contrast Agent enhanced MR imaging includes an MR image acquisition device for acquiring imaging datasets comprising one or more image slabs individually comprising multiple image slices. An image data processor processes data representing an acquired image slice to detect a predetermined anatomical feature of a patient by detecting an edge of the anatomical feature in response to detection of pixel luminance transitions. A patient support table controller automatically moves a patient table at a velocity adaptively and dynamically determined by, selecting data modifying table velocity from predetermined information associating an anatomical feature with table velocity modification data in response to detection of the anatomical feature and adaptively determining a table velocity using the modification data.

Abstract: A system improves accuracy of blood flow peak velocity measurements as well as the speed and precision of an MR data acquisition workflow. A system for blood flow velocity determination in MR imaging comprises an MR imaging system. The MR imaging system acquires a three dimensional (3D) MR imaging dataset of a patient anatomical volume of interest and a one dimensional (1D) MR imaging dataset within the volume of interest automatically aligned in response to 3D vector directional information. An image data processor derives the 3D vector directional information by, deriving velocity magnitude data using the acquired 3D MR imaging dataset, identifying maximum velocity data using the derived velocity magnitude data and transforming the identified maximum velocity data to provide the 3D vector directional information. A calculation processor uses the acquired 1D MR imaging dataset to calculate a blood flow velocity in a direction determined by the 3D vector directional information.