by Jason Butler
Healthcare systems across the country are continuing to modernize imaging departments to support evolving clinical needs, increase capacity, improve patient care, and accommodate increasingly sophisticated diagnostic equipment. As these technologies advance, however, imaging upgrades are placing growing demands on the infrastructure systems that support them.
One notable trend is the increasing adoption of air-cooled CT systems. While these systems reduce the need for dedicated process chilled water infrastructure, they also shift more heat rejection into the imaging room itself, increasing HVAC load requirements and driving the need for more robust cooling strategies.
MRI installation at Massachusetts General Hospital, Danvers
At the same time, healthcare facilities are seeing continued growth in invasive and hybrid imaging suites. These spaces often operate with requirements similar to operating rooms, requiring tighter control of temperature, humidity, airflow, and pressurization. As a results, mechanical systems supporting imaging departments need to deliver higher air changes, and are becoming more complex and more critical to ongoing operations.
Electrical infrastructure is evolving as well. Higher-tesla MRI systems and other advanced imaging equipment continue to increase peak power demand. With the increased reliance and criticality of imaging procedures, many healthcare facilities are expanding the use of UPS backup support and connecting imaging suites to essential power (generator-supported) systems to improve resilience and minimize disruption to patient care during outages.
Finished MRI room at Massachusetts General Hospital, Danvers
Together, these trends highlight a broader shift in healthcare facilities planning. Imaging upgrades are no longer isolated equipment replacements, but comprehensive infrastructure projects requiring early coordination between clinical teams, facility stakeholders, and engineering disciplines to ensure long-term operational success.
Jason Butler
Jason Butler, PE is principal and healthcare market leader at Fitzemeyer & Tocci Associates, Inc.
