Magnetic Resonance Imaging
(MRI)
uses a large and powerful magnet to produce images of the body. The magnets used
at MCVH are super-conductive. Current has been applied to the super-conductive
windings inside the unit, which are continually bathed in liquid helium. Once
the power supply is removed the current continues to flow forever. At the
temperature of liquid helium (‑452.4 degrees) there is no resistance to the
current, therefore the magnets are on 24 hours a day.
The magnet is strong enough
to pull equipment like floor buffers, oxygen tanks, and stretchers across the
room and into the opening of the imager know as a bore. Deaths have occurred
from trauma as a result of these effects at other health care facilities.
Only MRI compatible or non‑magnetic materials should be taken into the room and only
after being checked by authorized personnel. (MRI compatible equipment like
aluminum oxygen tanks or stretchers.) Small objects in pockets such as
hemostats, pens, keys, stethoscopes and scissors can become high‑speed
projectiles when "pulled" out of your pockets. Small objects like paper clips or
staples may be pulled into the magnet bore with out notice and interfere with
future image quality. The MRI will erase any magnet strips on ID, ATM or credit
cards.
Do not enter a MRI scan
room without first completing a
MRI
Safety Checklist to screen for metal
objects (pacemakers, surgical clips, metal fragments, and pregnancy).
Always be cleared by a MRI technologist before entering
the MRI scan room to ensure your personal safety and the safety of others.
For MRI Safety questions
call MRI at 8‑4494, or 80953. You can also contact David Dillard RT‑R,
MRI/CT Manager at 8‑5283.
