Magnetic Resonance Imaging Hazards and Safety Guidelines

MRI use is on the rise, and so is the number of adverse MRI incidents – by an alarming 185% over the last five years.* while the number of incidents is small compared to the number of procedures performed, even one is too many for any clinic, hospital or research facility.

A comprehensive MRI safety program is a must for any health care provider with a zero tolerance for MRI errors. A zero tolerance protocol should be built on three basic steps:

• Assess the hazards
• Establish best practices in MRI suite safety and patient care
• Educate and train all physicians, clinic and hospital staff working in the MRI suite

Such a protocol will produce an educated and safety-aware MRI medical team that can develop, implement and maintain an environment of effective and safety-focused patient care. We offer a detailed look at MRI technology, risks and patient safety and care.