MRI Safety – A Practical Guide

Targeted CE per ARRT’s Discipline, Category, and Subcategory classification for enrollments starting after February 14, 2023:
[Note: Discipline-specific Targeted CE credits may be less than the total Category A credits approved for this course.]

Magnetic Resonance Imaging: 2.75
Patient Care: 0.25
Patient Interactions and Management: 0.25
Safety: 2.00
MRI Screening and Safety: 2.00
Image Production: 0.50
Physical Principles of Image Formation: 0.50

Registered Radiologist Assistant: 2.25
Patient Care: 0.25
Pharmacology: 0.25
Safety: 2.00
Patient Safety, Radiation Protection, and Equipment Operation: 2.00

Radiation Therapy: 1.00
Safety: 1.00
Radiation Protection, Equipment Operation, and Quality Assurance: 1.00

Outline

1. Introduction
2. MR Imaging Hardware
   1. Main Magnet
   2. Gradient Systems
   3. Radiofrequency Coils
3. Guidelines, Regulations, and Safety Terminology
4. Determining Medical Device and Implant Compatibility
5. MR Imaging Safety Risks
   1. Translational Force and Torque
   2. Projectile Injury
   3. Excessive SAR
   4. Burns
   5. Peripheral Neurostimulation
   6. Interactions with Active Implants and Devices
   7. Acoustic Injury
6. MR Imaging Contrast Agents
7. Pediatric MR Imaging
8. MR Imaging of Unconscious or Incapacitated Patients
9. MR Imaging of Pregnant Patients
10. Pregnant MR Imaging Personnel
11. MR Imaging Equipment Zoning and Siting
12. MR Imaging Personnel and Non-MR Imaging Personnel
13. MR Imaging Emergencies
14. Conclusion

Objectives

Upon completion of this course, students will:

1. identify the element that forms the basis for MR imaging
2. list the three primary systems in an MR imaging unit
3. describe the stability of the main magnetic field
4. convert between the units of magnetic field strength
5. list the MR imaging unit components that require cooling for proper function
6. describe the energy transmission range of large radiofrequency coils
7. describe the renewal cycle for ACR MR imaging institutional accreditation
8. list the varying MR imaging safety criteria that are defined by the FDA
9. list the MR imaging device safety labels approved by ASTM International
10. describe the MR imaging device safety label of common non-ferrous intravenous catheters
11. list the variables that affect the force applied on a magnetic object
12. identify the time after implantation that cardiac and vascular stents are considered MR safe
13. describe the technique that minimizes the field strength outside the bore of the magnet
14. identify the units of measurement for SAR
15. describe the relationship between increasing magnetic field strength and SAR level
16. describe the characteristics of thermal injuries resulting from MR imaging
17. describe the characteristics of tattoos that contribute to thermal injury during MR imaging
18. describe the antenna effect and its contribution to thermal injury during MR imaging
19. identify medical devices that increase the risk for thermal injury during MR imaging
20. list techniques for reducing the risk for peripheral neurostimulation during MR imaging
21. list techniques for reducing the risk for acoustic injury during MR imaging
22. list the risk factors for reactions to GBCAs
23. list the risk factors for NSF identified by the ACR Committee on Drugs and Contrast Media
24. describe the estimated amount of the total dose of a GBCA expressed in breast milk
25. describe the characteristics of pediatric MR imaging
26. describe the performance of screening radiographs for incomplete medical histories
27. describe the characteristics of MR imaging during pregnancy
28. list the MR imaging job duties that can be performed by pregnant technologists
29. identify the MR zone that represents the interface between uncontrolled publicly accessible areas and strictly controlled zones
30. identify the MR zone that includes the MR imaging unit room and represents the highest-risk area for accidents
31. list the personnel who may be considered for level 1 MR imaging personnel training
32. identify the level of MR imaging personnel training required for technologists and technologist aides
33. list the topics included in the training material for level 1 MR imaging personnel
34. describe the device safety labels required for resuscitation and safety equipment used in the MR environment
35. describe the quench procedure used to rapidly shut off the magnetic field