Prevention of missile accidents (RTMR)

• MRI facilities employ strict policies to ensure screening procedures are implemented for the detection of potential projectiles prior to their entry into the MRI environment.
  • All individuals entering the MRI environment are screened before each procedure (regardless of whether they have been screened in the past), according to their MRI personnel level
  • All equipment is verified for MRI safety before being allowed into the MRI environment by a Level 2 MRI Technologist*
  • Additional attention must be given to objects made from conducting materials, as these may pose hazards under certain conditions¹

_{* Level 2 MRI personnel are defined as those with MRI safety education to ensure safety of all individuals and facility resources within the MRI environment}

• The most effective means to prevent a patients carrying in potential projectiles is to have them change out of street clothes into hospital gowns¹.
  • MRI-safe hospital gowns are used (those made of cotton, without pockets and without metal snaps)
  • Other forms of clothing may contain metallic threads, objects, or synthetic materials that pose a danger during the MRI exam¹
• Non-ambulatory patients may only enter the MRI environment in an MRI-safe wheelchair or gurney which has been inspected specifically for¹:
  • Ferromagnetic oxygen tanks and IV poles¹
  • Sandbags with metallic contents²
  • Ferromagnetic objects concealed under blankets, in pockets or folds of clothing or stowed on transport equipment¹
• The MRI fringe field is clearly demarcated and secured by trained staff^1,3.

• Equipment and objects are labelled according to the ASTM (formerly known as the American Society for Testing and Materials) standards for safety in the MRI environment as follows⁴:
  • MRI safe – objects that pose no known hazards in all MRI environments
  • MRI conditional – objects that are safe when used in a specific manner within specific MRI environments, with limitations on usability or the testing that was performed on it
  • MRI unsafe – objects that pose a known threat or hazard in all MRI environments
• A list of MRI safe and MRI conditional objects is maintained in the department, including details of restrictions for use.
  • Information not contained within the document can be obtained from the manufacturer’s guidelines for use in MRI environments

• All MRI staff and other personnel who may enter the MRI environment are provided with formal training at regular intervals on MRI safety, including¹:
  • Discussion of objects that can and cannot be allowed into the MRI environment³
  • The importance of effective screening¹
  • A reminder that the magnetic field is always ‘on’¹