During International Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) Safety Week, we’re raising awareness about the importance of safety around MRI machines. MRI Safety Week began 22 years ago after an accident that changed how hospitals and imaging departments deal with the strong magnetic fields of MRIs.
There can be significant safety challenges when undertaking an MRI scan. Implants and devices, like pacemakers, neurostimulators, cochlear implants, and aneurysm clips and coils, can harm patients if scanned unknowingly. Equipment, like wheelchairs, oxygen cylinders, and trolleys, can become a projectile if they are attracted to the strong magnetic field.
Angela Borella, MRI Network Supervisor at Monash Health, said the week serves as a reminder of why safety is of the utmost importance when performing an MRI.
“International MRI Safety Week is an opportunity for us to recognise and celebrate the advances and improvements in safety over the last twenty years,” says Angela.
“It is also a great opportunity for us to continue to educate and create awareness within the hospital. We aim to make sure we continue to make safety our priority for all patients, employees, and visitors.”
MRI Safety Week is also an opportunity to say thank you to all the MRI Imaging Technologists at Monash Health for keeping our patients and employees safe in our MRI environments.
All Monash Health employees are encouraged to complete the MRI safety online training course on Latte to better understand the dangers and risks of the MRI environment.
Approved by Associate Professor Anjali Dhulia – Chief Medical Officer and Executive Director, Medical Services