Question_and_Answer.doc

Question and Answer

1. The Nitrogen Colled 5mm cold probe (we call this a CryoProbe Prodigy) has a Z-axis gradient. However, the bid calls for XYZ gradient electronics. So my question is “why do you need gradient electronics for XYZ when the probes in the bid have only Z-gradients?” The X and Y gradient electronics would never be used in this configuration, so why spend the money?

Yes, FDA understands that the Prodigy comes in a z-gradient only configuration. The xyz gradients will be in the TXI probe included in the bid. These xyz gradients provide superior water suppression capability compared to z-gradient only probes. For any future probes that might be purchased xyz gradients would be requested.

2. Helium hold time for one year with continuous cryogenic cooling with liquid Nitrogen. The “continuous cooling” of the liquid Nitrogen dewar of the magnet is actually an extension of the CryoPlatform used with the Helium cooled CryoProbe. This continuously cooling is NOT an option with the Nitrogen cooled CryoProbe. The vendor MAY be able to add a separate cooling system for the Nitrogen dewar of the magnet, if needed. Does FDA want the vendor to do so to fulfill this “continuous cooling” requirement (at an additional expense)? Or should we note this is not an option for the CryoPlatform for the Nitrogen cooled CryoProbe?

No, the FDA does not want this additional expense in the quote.