Question

TASK 2: Magnetic Resonance Hazards and Safety Guidelines Magnetic Resonance Imaging, or MRI, is a painless and safe diagnostic procedure that uses a powerful magnet and radio waves to produce detailed images of the body's organs and structures, without the use of X-rays or other radiation. A computer converts signals from the MRI scan into extremely clear, cross-sectional images of the part of the body that has been scanned. Each image is a slice of the body area scanned, and numerous images are created that clearly show all the features of that particular part of the body. The images produced by MRI can be compared to a sliced loaf of bread. Just as you can lift each individual slice from the loaf and see both the slice and the inside of the bread, so too the image "slices" produced by the MRI show the exact details of the inside of the body. The computer is able to reconstruct all the images into a single image resembling an X-ray. This reconstruction also can be made into three-dimensional images, allowing complete and remarkable visualization of the body area scanned from all angles. However, MRI may cause harm to the user if they are not too familiar with MRI safety. MRI incidents often happened in hospital healthcare industry due to the lack MRI education Concerning the public safety, there are few aspects that have been taken to avoid accidents in workspace. Discuss the aspects that may take into account in order to ensure personnel and patient safety. A comprehensive MRI safety programmes must for any health care provider with a zero tolerance for MRI errors. A zero tolerance protocol should be built on basic steps. Discuss the steps that can be adopted to achieve zero tolerance of MRI errors. The suggested aspects include, but not limited to a) Features of a magnetic field that are the source of most MRI incidents such as projectile or missile effect and translation attraction b) Implementing best practices such as safety guidelinees, access zone (Zone 1,2,3 etc), training protocol (level 1,2,3 etc).

Answer 1

a. Translational attraction occurs when one point of an object in a magnetic field is attracted to a greater extent then the object further point from the attracting source.This differential create a more forceful attraction,increasing the speed with which the object may move towards the magnetic source.

Ferrous based material,nickel alloy and most stainless steel material are not compatable with the MRI environment.When these materials are exposed toa strong magnetic field,the t can be pulled violently towards the magnetic source.

Translational forces -

The missile effect

This effect is generally attendant upon feromagnetic material and the static field generated by an MRI system,and often manifest as the missile effect, which can involve non compatable objects,such as wheel chair,transp tra stracher and missilleneous patients and visitors objects that includes hairpin ,paper clips and pens.

b . Clinical and hospital based MRI suites,regardless of the MRI manufacturer,field strength or imaging design , should establish documents and implement an MRI suites safety protocol.An MRI officer should be desihnated to ensure that policies and procedures are followed,trani tra and safety certification for technologist and MRI staff is completed and current.

Access zone

MRI suites restrict access by zone.

ZONE 1

It represents the least exposure to patients,visitors ,attemptin

attending physician, fellow and medical student and hospital staff maintainance .This is also generally the reception and waiting area of the MRI suites.

ZONE 2

In this zone the patient is gowned and personal items secured or transferred to a relative or accompanying visitors.all gowns must be MRI safe ,i.e .,free of metallic snaps , button or zipper which set off ferromagnetic alarms.

ZONE 3 is the entry zone to the MRI machine room .The portal or entrance in the MRI machine rooms must be monitored by a second ferromagnetic--sensitive detector .

Training protocol

Initial training, certification and documentation,annual refresher training can be contacted in live session or in an electronic format under the direction of area MRI director.MRI safety protocol should include two levels of MRI access based on training level completed.

LEVEL 1

MRI personnel at this level must pass minimum training to ensure their own safety in Zone 1,2and 3.typical tasks at this level include initial patien medical history,basic patients screening and other administrative functions for visitors.

LEVEL 2

Medical and non medical equipment allowed to enter the MRI fourth room.

Control and reaction to artifact incidents.