In 2020 the American College of Radiology published their “ACR Manual on MRI Safety”. In this manual the ACR makes recommendations for helping to secure the MR environment from Zone 1 to Zone 4.
Of particular interest was their recommendation for clear demarcation of the potential hazard of the MR system beginning in Zone 3 and the recommendation for a “caution” barrier at the entry to Zone 4.
“Zone III regions should be physically restricted from general public access by key locks, passkey locking systems, or any other reliable, physically restricting method that can differentiate between MR Personnel and Non-MR Personnel.”
“There should be no exceptions to this guideline. Specifically, this includes hospital or facility administrative staff, physicians, security personnel, and other Non-MR Personnel. Zone III should be demarcated and clearly indicated as being potentially hazardous.”
“The entry door to Zone IV (ie, the MR scanner room) should be closed except when it must remain open for patient care or room/MR system maintenance. During the times that the door to the MR system room must remain open, a “caution” barrier is recommended at the entry to Zone IV to inhibit unintended passage of personnel and/or materials from Zone III to IV.”
~American College of Radiology "ACR Manual On MRI Safety"
With the rise of incidents in MR suites in 2023 these recommendations are more important than ever. The reports of MR techs being expected to work alone, hospitals and clinics being understaffed and the realization that much of the MR staff has not been sufficiently trained in MRI safety lead us to the conclusion that the MR safety signs carry more significance than at any other time in the past. When all else fails in the chain of safety in an MR area the safety signs can mean the difference between having an accident or not.
With the lack of requirements for safety signage, and standards for MRI safety training hospitals and clinics are left to make the decisions on their own. Oftentimes with budget constraints, or lack of knowledge by the purchasing department safety signage is not as effective as it could and should be. This is leading to higher incident rates along with the growing demand for MR exams and the lack of personnel to operate the MRI and properly screen the patients and guard the various zones.
The pressure and frustration for the MR technologists is growing, taxing the very people depended on to keep patients safe. Hospitals and clinics are experiencing exorbitant bills to replace MRI machines after an incident and/or to settle any claims by injured persons. It has become an atmosphere of reaction rather than proaction.
Simply following the guidelines of the ACR in their “ACR Manual on MRI Safety'' would mean purchasing a “caution” barrier such as the MRI Safety Stop Sign at Zone 3 or Zone 4 and installing a locking system at Zone 3. Since many facilities are not built in a way that a locked door at Zone 3 is possible. A “caution” barrier becomes an even more important addition to any MR suite. This barrier can serve as a stopping point for patients, a warning system for staff entering the area or any outside visitors who may be unfamiliar with MRI safety regulations. These barriers are not as easy for people to ignore or become accustomed to as a beep from other safety devices, or safety signs for Zone 4 doors.
Instead of a chain or locking arm which a busy technologist must have the time or memory to close each time it is opened, the MRI Safety Stop Sign automatically closes and opens when someone enters or exits the suite. It always remains closed and provides a continual warning to all who approach either Zone 3 or Zone 4.
To read more about various instances of accidents and the disadvantages of other signage, please see our blog post about the effectiveness of MRI signs.
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