What should be checked first when MRI image quality drops?

Image quality degradation is often caused by environmental or accessory issues rather than a device failure. Check the following in order of priority:

1. The coil used and its cable connections (most common cause)
2. Patient positioning and sequence parameters
3. RF cage door gaskets and cabin integrity (RF leakage)
4. New electronic devices brought into the room (interference source)
5. SNR and shim warnings in system logs

If these checks do not resolve the issue, service should be called for measured inspection of the gradient, RF amplifier and shim system.