A coalition of technology, medical, business, and education groups are urging the U.S. Congress to pass legislation that will secure the nation's helium supply.
Among the supporters are the Medical Imaging and Technology Alliance (MITA) and National Electrical Manufacturers Association (NEMA), which support HR 527 and S 783 to allow the Federal Helium Reserve to sell helium to private entities after October 7. The legislation has passed the U.S. House of Representatives and has been placed on the Senate's legislative calendar.
Helium is required to cool MRI systems and keep them functioning at appropriate temperatures.
MITA warned that MRI manufacturing facilities may have to slow or shut down production, and existing MRI scanners will not be refilled, forcing hospitals and physicians to turn away patients in need of imaging services.
