MITA lauds Senate passage of helium bill

The Medical Imaging and Technology Alliance (MITA) said it supports the U.S. Senate passage of legislation to keep the Federal Helium Reserve open.

Lawmakers voted 97 to 2 to approve an amended version of HR 527, the Responsible Helium Administration and Stewardship Act, which would prevent premature closure of the reserve.

The Federal Helium Reserve provides approximately 50% of the nation's supply of helium. MRI systems must be regularly refilled with liquid helium to maintain normal operating temperatures.