MRI Goes Mobile: Assessing the Reliability and Repeatability of a Mobile vs. Stationary 1.5T MRI for Functional Neuroscience Studies

Motivation: Mobile MRI scanners could transform functional neuroscience research by expanding accessibility to a more diverse population and enabling data collection in remote settings. Goal(s): To assess the reliability and repeatability of a mobile 1.5T MRI scanner compared to a stationary 1.5T scanner. Approach: Three healthy human subjects underwent MRI on both scanners across three days. The mobile scanner was relocated between measurement days to evaluate the impact of scanner movement. B0/B1+ maps, structural MP-RAGE, and functional MRI were acquired and analyzed. Results: The mobile 1.5T scanner demonstrated comparable field homogeneity and structural/functional image quality to the stationary system, with minimal impact from relocation. Impact: Mobile high-field 1.5T MRI scanners can bring neuroscience imaging to underserved areas. This study shows how a mobile scanner, even after relocation, can achieve comparable quality to a stationary scanner expanding the potential for broader functional neuroscience research.