MRI Safety is an important topic with clear MRI safety protocols. MRI stands for magnetic resonance imaging, and hospitals have been using this type of scan since the 1970s. Healthcare operations call the most common type of MRI scanner a “superconducting magnet” or “SEM.”

They contain liquid helium-cooled superconductor coils. These coils produce a strong magnetic field. These powerful magnets can cause serious injury and are dangerous if they come into contact with metal objects.

This blog post will discuss five things you should know about MRI safety. If you are an MRI Technologist, if you’re scheduled for an MRI or know someone who is, read on!

MRI Safety

MRI CE requirements and safety regulations are changing. Get caught without the right continuing education credits, and you’ll be out of compliance with ARRT®, ARMRIT® and/or the state board. Please don’t risk it!

MRI has become one of the most popular imaging modalities in medicine. It does not involve radiation, is painless and non-invasive, however, there are some important things that you should know about MRI safety.

That’s why you need to know what’s coming down the pike. You need to understand MRI safety, radiology, and x-ray continuing educational sciences. Again, these are healthcare areas where you can’t afford to get behind.

MRI Safety List

There are more than 36,000 MR imaging systems worldwide. All 36,000 MRI scanners are strong magnets. That means they can be dangerous if you don’t follow MRI safety guidelines.

The five MRI safety protocols below are essential in a medical facility. 

1) Electricity from the MRI Scanner can cause interference with pacemakers or other implanted cardioverter defibrillators (ICD) or other medical devices in the body.

2) There’s a chance of minor burns if body fluids like blood get too close to the area where the metal object placement is too close to the performing scan.

3) The magnet used in an MRI machine is much stronger than the magnetic field found on Earth. The strength of the MRI magnet is roughly up to 2,000 gausses or 20 Tesla.

There can be damage to metallic objects by the MRI’s powerful force (e.g., jewelry, hairpins, etc.). Often someone will ask you to remove all these items before entering an MRI room.

MRI Safety Zone

The last two MRI safety suggestions have to do with MRI safety zones. Unfortunately, there are also some very common misconceptions about ‘MRI safe zones’ and how they protect the patient.  

4)  There are five main types of scanners: 1. whole-body, 2. head and neck, 3. spine, 4. extremities (arms, legs), 5. The fifth type is known as a dedicated or special procedure.

5) The MRI safety zone to the magnet’s bore (entrance of MRI ) is an area considered the MRI invisible barrier.

The MRI’s invisible barrier is a non-magnetic area where MRI scans can take place safely.

Radiologic Technologist Degree

The Radiologic technologist can have either an Associate Degree or a Bachelor’s Degree. Almost all MRI centers require that their MRI technologists receive their education through accredited colleges. Also, an MRI Technologist works under the supervision of a Radiologist.

Continuing education for MRI Technologists is a must, but it can be hard to find the right CE courses and providers. That’s why it’s important to go to a leading provider of online radiology continuing education for radiologic technologists and medical professionals. You want and need your courses to be accepted by the ARRT®, ARMRIT® and other select professional and state organizations. 

These continuing education courses open doors to MRI growth and development as a technologist. MRI technologists have their own set of responsibilities, such as setting up patients for MRI procedures. What’s more, you seldom run out of jobs in need of your education and services.

Registered MRI Technologist

The term “Registered Radiologic Technologist” is used in the United States, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand. The job title denotes a person with specialized education who is qualified to operate radiographic imaging equipment.  An MRI Technologist is qualified to operate MRI equipment.

There are nearly 400 major hospitals and health systems, including 51 Department of Veterans Affairs medical centers. In addition, you have more than 80 academic societies. MRI technologists are typically employed in hospitals, private physician’s offices, and public health organizations.

MRI Safety Guidelines

MRI safety guidelines are the rules, procedures, and protocols that detail how MRI scanners can operate. It is through the safety guidelines that you can maximize patient safety. MRI safety concerns include induced radio frequency currents and high-powered radiofrequency pulses.

MRI safety guidelines cover the safe operation of MRI scanners and include standard MRI exams. They also include specific MRI exams, MRI contrast agents, and MRI contrast media. 

Stay up-to-date with online MRI CE courses that will help you stay current on all MRI safety information. 

MRI Educational Safety Solution

Some of the best MRI CE Courses are offered by Scrubs Continuing Education® (ScrubsCE®). ScrubsCE® has years of healthcare experience. They understand how important it is for professionals like yourself to keep abreast of ever-changing regulations, especially when dealing with professional licensing boards and organizations such as ARRT® (American Registry Radiologic Technologists®) and ARMRIT®  (American Registry of Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologists®). ScrubsCE online training programs are designed to help you meet your CE requirements quickly and easily.

ScrubsCE has over 100 radiology and imaging related CE courses that will help you stay current  with today’s fast-moving technology and regulations. So move towards a fascinating and caring career or continue growing your job skills at ScrubsCE®. All it takes is one click to find all you need to know for your continuing educational solution.