Medical Imaging Systems: Technical Service and Fault Diagnosis Training Course
1Summary
When an imaging system goes down, the service engineer who understands what is happening inside the box — not just how to operate the console — is the one who gets it back online fast. This Training Course by the Arab British Fellowship Training Academy is built for that engineer: it opens with the sensors, detectors, and signal-processing chain shared by every imaging modality, then works modality by modality through X-ray, MRI, CT, and ultrasound before moving into the maintenance, safety, and connectivity work that keeps a fleet of machines running.
Graduates come away able to service and troubleshoot medical imaging equipment to a systematic standard, apply preventive maintenance and calibration routines, keep systems safe and compliant, and connect them properly into a hospital's data network.
2Objectives and target group
- Explain how sensors, detectors, and signal processing turn raw data into a usable image across imaging modalities.
- Service, calibrate, and troubleshoot X-ray, MRI, CT, and ultrasound systems using a consistent diagnostic method.
- Identify power, electrical, and component faults and use diagnostic tools to isolate the root cause.
- Apply radiation, MRI, and ultrasound safety standards and meet FDA and IEC regulatory requirements.
- Connect imaging equipment to hospital networks using DICOM and HL7 protocols while protecting data security.
Target Audience
- Biomedical engineers and technicians responsible for maintaining and repairing medical imaging systems.
- Service engineers handling the setup, installation, and troubleshooting of imaging equipment.
- Healthcare professionals managing medical equipment who need a deeper technical understanding.
- Medical device manufacturers and suppliers looking to strengthen their servicing knowledge.
3Course Content
Module 1: The Service Engineer's View of Medical Imaging
- Classification of medical imaging systems and the differences between them.
- System specifications and configurations technicians need to recognise on the job.
Module 2: Core Technology — Sensors, Detectors and Signal Processing
- Types of detectors used across imaging systems and the factors affecting their performance.
- How signal conversion and processing turn raw data into a diagnostic image.
Module 3: Modality Deep-Dive — X-ray, MRI, CT and Ultrasound
- X-ray production, tube components, and calibration for image quality.
- MRI signal generation, magnetic coils, gradient systems, and RF coils.
- CT gantry, detectors, and data reconstruction; ultrasound transducers, probes, and sound-wave imaging.
Module 4: Preventive Maintenance and Calibration Programmes
- Scheduling and performing routine checks, cleaning, and calibration across imaging systems.
- Calibration standards, tools, and monitoring system performance over time.
Module 5: Systematic Fault-Finding and Diagnostic Tooling
- A structured approach to problem identification, isolation, and using error logs.
- Diagnostic tools for electrical and mechanical faults, including multimeters and oscilloscopes.
Module 6: Electrical and Power Systems Safety
- Power supply types and common electrical components in imaging devices.
- Grounding, circuit protection, and testing to prevent electrical hazards.
Module 7: Operator and Patient Safety, Regulatory Standards
- Radiation, MRI, and ultrasound safety considerations for operators and patients.
- Key regulatory bodies (FDA, IEC) and certification processes for imaging devices.
Module 8: Connected Systems — DICOM, HL7 and Hospital Networks
- Integrating imaging systems within a hospital network and managing data flow between devices.
- DICOM and HL7 standards, network protocols, and data security considerations.
Module 9: Emerging Technologies and the Future of Imaging Service
- New modalities such as PET and SPECT, and hybrid systems like PET/CT and PET/MRI.
- The growing role of AI, and trends such as wireless and portable imaging systems.