Preventing Accidents in the MRI Suite
Posted by
Dan FrithFebruary 27, 2008 6:00 AMMost Americans have had an x-ray taken, some have even had enhanced x-rays called CT scans and even Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) studies. An MRI is a test that uses a magnetic field and pulses of radio wave energy to make pictures of organs and structures inside the body.
For an MRI test, the area of the body being studied is placed inside a special machine that contains a strong magnet. Pictures from an MRI scan are digital images that can be saved and stored on a computer for more study. The images also can be reviewed remotely, such as in a clinic or an operating room. In some cases, contrast material may be used during the MRI scan to show certain structures more clearly.
It is a great diagnostic tool but does not come without potential (but preventable) injuries and complications.
The Joint Commission evaluates and accredits more than 15,000 health care organizations and programs in the United States. An independent, not-for-profit organization, The Joint Commission is the nation's predominant standards-setting and accrediting body in health care. According to The Joint Commission the following types of injury can and have occurred during the MRI scanning process:
1. "Missile effect" or "projectile" injury in which ferromagnetic objects (objects with magnetic properties) such as ink pens, wheelchairs, and oxygen canisters are pulled into the MRI scanner at rapid velocity.
2. Injury related to dislodged ferromagnetic implants such as aneurysm clips, pins in joints, and drug infusion devices.
3. Burns from objects that may heat during the MRI process, such as wires (including lead wires for both implants and external devices) and surgical staples, or from the patient's body touching the inside walls (the bore) of the MRI scanner during the scan.
4. Injury or complication related to equipment or device malfunction or failure caused by the magnetic field. For example, battery-powered devices (laryngoscopes, microinfusion pumps, monitors, etc.) can suddenly fail to operate; some programmable infusion pumps may perform erratically; and pacemakers and implantable defibrillators may not behave as programmed.
5. Adverse events (allergic reactions) related to the administration of MRI contrast agents.
