MRI SAFETY

FOR NON-MRI PERSONNEL

WHAT IS MRI?

During an MRI

exam, a patient is exposed to three

different forms of

electromagnetism

THREE FORMS OF ELECTROMAGNETISM

STATIC

GRADIENT

RADIOFREQUENCY

MAGNETIC FIELD

The MRI

system is

always on and

danger is

always present.

MAGNETIC FIELD

365 Days/Year

7 Days/Week

24 Hours/day

MAGNETIC FIELD

There is a

magnetic field

present even

when no patient

is in the room

MRI SYSTEM SHUTDOWN! Emergency

situations only! The shutdown

procedure can only be performed by trained professionals!

An improper shutdown can release harmful gasses into the MRI system room!

METAL OBJECTS

Metal objects can

become

dangerous and

deadly projectiles

within the

magnetic field!

THE MISSILE EFFECT

OCCURS WHEN A

FLYING METALLIC

PROJECTILE IS

DRAWN TO THE

CENTER OF THE

MAGNET.

THE MISSILE EFFECT

CAN LEAD TO

SUBSTANTIAL

COSTS IN

REPAIR AND

MRI DOWNTIME!

MRI ACCIDENTS

Problems that occur mostly are related to:

Bringing external metallic objects into the MRI system room.

MRI ACCIDENTSAND

Accidental exposure of patients or individuals with certain implants, such as, cardiac pacemakers, pumps, and stimulators.

REQUIREMENTS

All persons are

required to

undergo screening

before being

permitted in the

MRI environment.

SCREENING PROCESSThe screening process

consists of questions regarding:

Implanted devices Prior surgeries Possibilities of any

metallic foreign bodies

SCREENING PROCESSBefore entering the MRI system room the following items must be removed:

Metallic personal belongings

Watches Pocket knives Nail clippers Jewelry Scissors

SCREENING PROCESSBefore entering the MRI system room the following items must be removed because it can be damaged:

Hearing aides Cell phones Watches Beepers

MRI TIPS TO REMEMBER

The magnetic field

of the MRI system

is always on, and

dangers exist,

even when a

patient is not being

imaged.

MRI TIPS TO REMEMBER

If you enter the

room where the

MRI system is

located, you will be

exposed to the

powerful magnetic

field.

MRI TIPS TO REMEMBER

Remove ALL

metallic

belongings before

entering the MRI

system room.

MRI TIPS TO REMEMBER

If you have any

questions or

concerns, discuss

with the MRI

technologist or

radiologist.