SUBSCRIBE TO OUR BLOGSafety Precautions to Operate Refurbished MRI Scanner Without Risk
Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) produces detailed scan images of human anatomy and body structures like soft tissues and organs. MRI scanner uses a combination of strong magnets and computers creating a magnetic field and using radio waves to produce detailed scans. These detailed scans of human anatomy help doctor and healthcare professionals around the world to diagnose diseases accurately and monitor the treatment with regular scanning. Owing to this, MRI scans are widely used in hospitals, medical facilities, private clinics, and healthcare organisations. Thus it is imperative to ensure that the medical staff conducting the MRI scanning and the patients are well aware of the safety precautions to be taken during MRI scanning. Be it a new MRI scanner or a pre-owned or refurbished MRI scanner, following the safety guidelines and taking precautions will protect them from the bio-effects and other risks during operating an MRI scanner. MRI safety preventive measures include knowing when is it appropriate to conduct an MRI scan, precautions to be taken in an MRI suite, and the knowhow of safety zones in an MRI suite.
To begin with, let’s discuss MRI Zones. In its 2007 “Guidance Document for Safe MRI Practices” ACR, American College of Radiology suggests a four-zone model. In this model, the area around the MRI scanner is divided into four zones as given below:
Zone I – This includes areas that can be freely accessed by the general public where there is no hazard caused by the magnetic field.
Zone II – This zone id demarcated for screening patients and objects before entering the MRI scanner. it can include the reception, the waiting area, the screening room, and the dressing area.
Zone III – This zone houses the MRI control room and can be accessed only by the approved MRI personnel and the patient to undergo MRI scanning. This area can be under potential danger from the magnetic field and should be accessed only under continuous supervision.
Zone IV – This room houses the MRI scanner and it is demarcated as the zone with the highest risk. This room contains a strong magnet that is used for MRI scanning, and entry in this room is only after appropriate screening and under constant supervision.
Each of these zones is defined by its distance from the MRI scanner and entry in these zones should be given only after an adequate physical and clinical screening of the patients, medical personnel, and any equipment being carried inside.
Refurbished MRI scanners
Few guidelines and processes that should be followed around a new or pre-owned and refurbished MRI scanners to avert any risks are as follows:
- The above-mentioned Zone demarcations should be followed and adhered to meticulously
- Appropriate physical and clinical screening should be conducted at all stages before entering the MRI scanning room
- Warning Signs creating awareness about the magnetic field hazards and other relevant warning signs should be displayed across the MRI facility
- MRI Safety training program should be regularly conducted for the healthcare staff elaborating on the dangers posed by the strong magnets and the risks involved with the magnetic field produced by the MRI scanners. It should also give them detailed guidelines on how to operate an MRI scanner safely and avoid any mishaps.
refurbished or pre-owned MRI scanner
Now let’s look at the most common hazards or risks involved while using a new or refurbished or pre-owned MRI scanner.
1) MRI scanners are very loud and can lead to partial hearing defects. The safety measure requires that a patient should be provided with and instructed on how to use earplugs properly to avoid high acoustic noise levels to avoid potential hearing damage.
2) MRI scanners use strong magnets which can prove very fatal in case of the presence of any metal inside or outside the body. This includes wheelchairs, pacemakers or defibrillators, artificial joints, body implants, an IUD, or any metal devices. The 5 Gauss line defines a perimeter around the MRI scanner in the MRI suite wherein the magnetic fields are higher compared to safe levels for exposure.
3) MRI scanners take long to scan and it can lead to increased temperatures and burns. Burns can be avoided with appropriate padding and preventing the skin-to-skin contact using insulation material.
4) MRI machines can get claustrophobic for certain patients due to their mostly closed type of design. MRI referring physicians should discuss this with the patient before scanning to put them at ease. Pre-owned or refurbished MRI scanners with larger bore sizes and Open MRI systems can reduce claustrophobia.
Besides these, there can sometimes be risks involved with contrasts or anaesthesia used during MRI scanning. The risks vary for different patients and so the MRI personnel must be well trained on safety precautions to operate MRI scanners without risks. Our range of pre-owned and refurbished MRI scanners is top-notch from reputed OEMs like Philips, GE, Toshiba, Siemens, and more. These upgraded and thoroughly inspected pre-owned and refurbished medical equipment come with the safety manual. By following the safety guidelines and by taking adequate precautions, an MRI scanner can be used safely without any risks.
We can assist you with high quality, thoroughly inspected first-class pre-owned medical imaging equipment and technically advanced and upgraded refurbished medical imaging equipment from established brands such as GE, Toshiba, Siemens, and Philips. Let’s get connected and you can explore our wide range of refurbished medical imaging equipment.
