ACR Blue Ribbon Panel Publishes MR Safety White Paper


Contact: Cary Boshamer
(703) 716-7540
E-mail: caryb@acr.org

Reston, Va. – In response to recent concerns about adverse incidents relating to magnetic resonance imaging procedures, the American College of Radiology has issued an updated series of guidelines and procedures for MR safety. A multidisciplinary blue ribbon panel was created to address these critical issues, and the panel's white paper is published in the June issue of the American Journal of Roentgenology.

The panel, chaired by Emanuel Kanal, M.D., prepared its report under the auspices of the ACR's task force on patient safety, chaired by James P. Borgstede, M.D.

"MRI as a technology continues to evolve, and the volume of examinations has increased dramatically. These examinations are also now being performed by more practitioners," said Kanal. "While we have always had safety guidelines, the increase in the number of patients involved in these procedures, the increased numbers of MR practitioners, and the increased use of this technology with critically ill patients, all increase the likelihood of mishaps occurring in the MR environment."

"These guidelines have been developed to assist MR practitioners in the development and implementation of their own MR policies and practices," Kanal added.

There are more than 18 million MRIs performed each year with about 6,000 magnets. However, non-compatible MRI equipment can be—and has been—life threatening, the panel cautioned. Such routine items as portable oxygen tanks, IV poles and bandage scissors can become hazardous objects if they are within the pull of the MRI magnet. These potentially dangerous items not only pose a risk to patients, but to the radiology personnel and accompanying family members as well. The threat extends to others who may be in the vicinity of the MR imager such as housekeeping personnel, firefighters or law enforcement and security personnel.

The ACR panel was charged with evaluating existing MR safety practices and guidelines and preparing new ones as necessary for today's radiologic practices and facilities. The resulting white paper and its MR Safe Practice Guidelines address such topics as:

  • Static magnetic field-related issues such as translational and rotational forces on ferromagnetic materials
  • Time varying magnetic field-related issues such as induced voltage, auditory considerations and thermal issues
  • Personnel qualifications and training
  • Site access restrictions
  • Pregnancy-related issues
  • Guidelines on claustrophobia, anxiety, sedation, analgesia and anesthesia
  • Contrast agent safety

"It is the intent of the ACR that these safety guidelines will help set the standard as the field of MR evolves and matures, providing patient MR services that are among the most beneficial—and safest—of all diagnostic procedures," Borgstede said.

Once published in the AJR, the white paper and patient screening forms in both English and Spanish will be available on the ACR Web site (www.acr.org).

The ACR is a national organization serving more than 32,000 radiologists, radiation oncologists and medical physicists with programs focusing on the practice of radiology and the delivery of comprehensive health care services.