MRI Safety Talks

In this podcast episode, Kellye Mantooth sits down with MRI technologists Kris Seitz, John Reyna, and Randy Parker to explore the implications of the new ACR Manual 2024 on MR safety practices. The discussion delves into scanner utilization, personnel recommendations, and notable changes in the manual, such as the transition from a five gauss boundary to a nine gauss boundary. The technologists share their insights on patient screening, interdepartmental coordination, and the challenges of maintaining MR safety.

Listeners will gain an understanding of various aspects of MRI safety, including the crucial role of radiologists' MR skills, the implementation of remote scanning, and the difficulties of achieving standardization in safety protocols. The guests emphasize the need for more radiologists with specialized MR expertise, the pros and cons of remote scanning, and the significance of training and certification for MR safety.

Additionally, the episode highlights the importance of consistent labeling for implants and devices, as well as the critical nature of a deliberate full stop final check. The conversation wraps up with a reflection on the lack of standardization in MR safety practices and the necessity for a cultural shift within the field.

This conversation with Toby Gilk explores the evolution of MR safety. It begins with a discussion of the early publications on MRI safety, including the 1985 report from the American Association of Physicists in Medicine. The conversation then moves on to the Michael Columbini incident in 2001, which brought attention to the need for better MRI safety practices. The ACR's response to the incident, including the formation of the MRI Safety Committee and the publication of the white paper, is also discussed. The conversation highlights how MR safety has evolved over the years, with advancements in MRI technology and changes in patient complexity. The shift from MR-compatible labeling to MR conditional labeling is explored, as well as the challenges technologists face in scanning implants off-label. Overall, the conversation provides insights into the history and development of MR safety. The conversation discusses the importance of accurate labeling and testing of MRI magnets, as well as the role of the FDA in accepting extrapolation calculations. It also highlights the need for regulations and standards in MRI safety, as well as the role of the ABMRS in certifying individuals in MR safety roles. The conversation acknowledges that while there have been improvements in MRI safety over the years, there is still work to be done to keep up with the growing risks and ensure patient safety.

Ferromagnetic detection systems for use in MRI have been around now for almost two decades, yet myths about their origin, utility, and success still remain, despite their evolution to where they are today.  

Kellye Mantooth, National MRI Safety Trainer for Metrasens, sits down for a discussion with Dr. Mark Keene, Chief Scientific Officer for Metrasens to talk about ferromagnetic detection system evolution and myths.

Music track provided by:Cold Sober by Kevin MacLeodLink: https://incompetech.filmmusic.io/song/3523-cold-soberLicense: http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/

In a follow-up to Part 1: The Rise of MRI Incidents, Part 2's discussion gets centered around the current operating situations within MRI and what things may be contributing to increases in safety risks.   Kellye Mantooth and Toby Gilk also discuss some things to consider as an MRI technologist operating in an environment with concern for safety.

Music track provided by:Cold Sober by Kevin MacLeodLink: https://incompetech.filmmusic.io/song/3523-cold-soberLicense: http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/

There is no doubt that there has been a widespread increase in MRI incidents, primarily related to projectile incidents.  In Part 1 of a two part episode, Kellye Mantooth, National MRI Safety Trainer for Metrasens, and Tobias Gilk, Founder of Gilk Radiology Consultants, discuss some of the specific incidents and their severity.

Music track provided by:Cold Sober by Kevin MacLeodLink: https://incompetech.filmmusic.io/song/3523-cold-soberLicense: http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/

MRI Safety Talks host, John Posh, and guest Barbara Nugent,  MRSO, MRI & CT Radiographer, discuss guidelines and advice available for MRI facilities to continue imaging safely during the Covid-19 pandemic.


Music track provided by:Cold Sober by Kevin MacLeodLink: https://incompetech.filmmusic.io/song/3523-cold-soberLicense: http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/

MRI Safety Talks host, John Posh, is joined by guest Lisa Thornhill, Medical Physicist with West Physics.  In this episode they discuss the role of physicists in ensuring the safety of clinical MRI facilities.

Music track provided by:Cold Sober by Kevin MacLeodLink: https://incompetech.filmmusic.io/song/3523-cold-soberLicense: http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/

MRI Safety Talks host, John Posh, and guest Tobias Gilk, Founding Principal of Gilk Radiology and Consultant to Metrasens, discuss all aspects of the screening process for safe and effective patient screening.

Music track provided by:Cold Sober by Kevin MacLeodLink: https://incompetech.filmmusic.io/song/3523-cold-soberLicense: http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/

MRI Safety Talks host, John Posh, and guest William Faulkner, Owner and CEO of William Faulkner & Associates, discuss the challenges for MR professionals when encountering an implant or device that is unknown or untested in MRI.  

Music track provided by:Cold Sober by Kevin MacLeodLink: https://incompetech.filmmusic.io/song/3523-cold-soberLicense: http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/

MRI Safety Talks host, John Posh, and guest Tobias Gilk, Founding Principal of Gilk Radiology and Consultant to Metrasens, address listener submitted questions in a follow-up to the recent Metrasens webinar covering MRI projectile safety and lessons extracted and analyzed from the MAUDE database.  Topics in this episode of MRI Safety Talks include:

• FDA and the MAUDE database in general
• Projectile risks related to specific devices
• Specific preventative steps to avoid projectiles
• Importance of sharing information and near misses

Music track provided by:Cold Sober by Kevin MacLeodLink: https://incompetech.filmmusic.io/song/3523-cold-soberLicense: http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/