Every year, approximately 30 to 40 million MRIs are completed on patients in the United States. Magnetic resonance imaging, or MRI, is diagnostic imaging equipment that uses a strong magnetic field and radio waves to create images of the inside of the human body. The strong magnetic field requires extreme caution and security to ensure the safety of both patients and health care workers.
MRI technologists are highly skilled and trained imaging professionals. They not only ensure high-quality images for every patient but also take advanced safety measures every single day to ensure the safety of all individuals in the MRI environment.
MRI Safety Week is recognized annually in July. In July of 2001, a steel oxygen tank was brought into the room during a routine MRI scan in New York. The tank was propelled into the machine by the strong magnetic force, striking 6-year-old patient Michael Colombini, resulting in his death.
MRI Safety Week was created to raise awareness of the detailed safety measures required to prevent tragic incidents like these.
To our MRI technologists, every week is MRI Safety Week. They spend the vast majority of their shifts doing detailed screenings of patients and team members, researching medical implants that have been placed in their patients’ bodies and being constantly on guard and aware of who is in their environment.
Here are a few key points that all health care workers and patients should know about MRI:
- MRI magnet is ALWAYS on
- Strong magnetic field – all items entering the MRI room must be cleared by the technologist. Hospital beds, stretchers, wheelchairs, office chairs, IV poles, oxygen tanks, walkers, etc., can all become projectiles if they enter the MRI room. This can cause serious bodily harm and even death.
- Wearing hospital attire – patients will be asked to change into hospital attire (gown/pants) to ensure there is no metal on their clothing. Zippers, buttons and wires are all a risk. Clothing companies also utilize metallic microfibers in many types of clothing that cannot be seen to the naked eye. These materials can heat and cause second-degree burns on the skin during an MRI scan.
- Medical implants – if a patient has anything in their body that they were not born with, you must tell the MRI technologist. The technologist will research the exact implant to ensure that it can be safely scanned in MRI. They may also need to adjust their equipment settings to ensure safety. It is VERY important that patients receive and keep their implant card after a procedure and/or surgery.
- Screening form – every patient is required to complete a screening form prior to having an MRI scan. This form ensures that the patient does not have anything in or on their body that could cause harm.
MRI exams are a great tool to aid in the diagnosis of many health issues. MRI exams are completed safely in thousands of facilities every day. These exams are able to be safely completed due to the diligent and detailed efforts of the MRI technologists.
This week, we celebrate the sharing of our MRI safety knowledge and the incredible work completed behind the scenes by our MRI technologists. We are grateful for your work!
Learn about the radiology and medical imaging services we provide at Mercy Health.
